Elders With Andrew Denton: Bob Hawke

I am going to start this post of by quoting a few things of Andrew Denton’s Elders on ABC. Much of what I am going to say is actually better summarised in those quotes and having watched Andrew interview Bob Hawke left me more than just inspired. The simplicity of the chat, the truthfulness and the love for honest human feelings expressed juxtaposed with pauses and deep silence and reminiscence of yesteryears warmed the inner cockles of my heart. It is very hard to surmise these feelings in a post however long it may be. If you watched this interview you’re probably in agreement but if you haven’t you could still catch the abbreviated videos online. Remarkable honest and touching interview. Brilliant work there Andrew.

I didn’t grow up in Australia but yes I’ve been living here for a while. When it comes to Australian politics my knowledge is limited but not bad, even if I say so. I don’t know how much Bob Hawke was hated or loved during his tenure as the 23^rd Prime Minster of Australia. But he sure was one of the long serving ones along with Sir Robert Menzies & John Howard. Australia’s longest serving Labor Prime Minister.

We live in a society that worships youth. But in some cultures, it is the elders who are valued for their wisdom. In this series we talk to six prominent elders of our tribe, to see what life has taught them.

In an age of salacious, youth-oriented media, Elders is heading in the opposite direction and seeking the stories of our elders. He will explore six very different lives in search of that almost-out-of-fashion idea: wisdom.

This week, Andrew talks to former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke.

From trade union advocate to Labor’s longest serving Prime Minister, Bob Hawke has experienced life’s challenges under many guises – from the loss of his only sibling to the ecstasy of winning the highest office in the land.

Other elders in this series are: broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough; philanthropist Dame Elisabeth Murdoch; journalist and best-selling author, Isabel Allende; ex-White House Bureau Chief Helen Thomas; and Catholic priest Father Des Reid.