June 1991 Australian Labor Party leadership spill

Bob Hawke had been leader of the Labor Party since 3 February 1983, and Prime Minister since the 1983 election, with Labor winning a record four elections under his leadership. However, the unexpectedly close win at the 1990 election, coupled with the deepening economic recession, fuelled tensions within the government over economic policy.^{[citation needed]}

Furthermore, a re-energised Liberal opposition led by John Hewson, a qualified economist, gained ground in the opinion polls.^{[citation needed]} Hawke had alienated key NSW Right faction powerbroker, Senator Graham Richardson by late 1990, with the latter bluntly telling Hawke he no longer had the support of the Right.^{[citation needed]}

Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Paul Keating launched his first June challenge against Hawke after the latter apparently reneged on a Kirribilli agreement that he would hand over the leadership in 1990.^[1]

• Bob Hawke, incumbent Leader, Prime Minister of Australia, Member for Wills
• Paul Keating, former Deputy Prime Minister, former Treasurer, Member for Blaxland

Australian Labor Party
Deputy Leadership spill, 1991

← 1990 1995 →

Candidate Brian Howe Graeme Campbell Caucus vote 81 (73.6%) 18 (16.4%)

Deputy Leader before election Paul Keating Deputy Leader after election Brian Howe

The following tables gives the ballot results:

Hawke's public support continued to decline before in December 1991, he called on another spill which Keating won 56–51.

• December 1991 Australian Labor Party leadership spill