John Robert Hewson AM, born on October 28, 1946, is a prominent figure in Australian politics, best known for his tenure as the leader of the Liberal Party from 1990 to 1994. Although he led the Liberal-National Coalition to defeat in the closely watched 1993 Australian federal election, his career has spanned economics, business, and political commentary, leaving a significant mark on the nation's public discourse.

Hewson’s journey began in Sydney, New South Wales, where he was born. His academic prowess quickly became evident, leading him to pursue a comprehensive education. He earned a PhD in Economics from the prestigious Johns Hopkins University, an impressive feat that laid the foundation for his future contributions. Prior to this, he had already attained degrees from the University of Sydney and the University of Regina, showcasing a strong commitment to intellectual development. Before stepping into the demanding world of politics, Hewson cultivated a diverse and impactful career as an economist. His roles included working for the Reserve Bank of Australia, serving as an economic advisor to the Fraser Government, contributing as a business journalist, and holding a directorship at Macquarie Bank. These experiences provided him with an invaluable understanding of Australia's economic landscape, preparing him for the challenges ahead in public office.

The Road to Opposition Leader

In 1987, John Hewson successfully entered the political arena, winning a seat in the House of Representatives. His sharp intellect and economic expertise quickly propelled him through the ranks. By 1988, he was appointed to the shadow cabinet, serving under both John Howard and Andrew Peacock, gaining crucial experience in opposition policy formulation. Following Andrew Peacock's loss in the 1990 election, the Liberal Party sought new leadership. Hewson emerged victorious in the ensuing leadership contest, taking the reins of the party and, by extension, becoming the Leader of the Opposition. This was a unique moment in Australian political history, as Hewson was the only Liberal Party leader to hold the position without prior experience as a minister.

The Fightback! Package and the 1993 Election

As Leader of the Opposition, Hewson spearheaded a bold and ambitious policy agenda known as "Fightback!" Launched in 1991, this comprehensive manifesto proposed a series of major economic reforms designed to reshape Australia's financial future. At its heart was the controversial introduction of a Goods and Services Tax (GST), a broad-based consumption tax intended to replace existing taxes and simplify the system. The "Fightback!" package also included cuts to income tax, a reduction in government spending, and reforms to industrial relations. The 1993 federal election largely became a battleground over economic policy, particularly how Australia should navigate the early 1990s recession. The incumbent Labor Party, led by Prime Minister Paul Keating, had been in power for a decade, and many polls suggested a Coalition victory under Hewson's leadership. However, Keating and the Labor Party mounted a highly effective counter-campaign, skillfully targeting public concerns about the GST and casting doubt on the fairness of the "Fightback!" proposals. Despite widespread expectations, Labor achieved a net increase in seats, securing a fifth consecutive term in government and allowing Keating to remain prime minister.

Beyond Leadership: A Continuing Public Voice

Following the unexpected defeat in 1993, John Hewson continued as Liberal leader for another year. However, internal party pressure mounted, and he eventually lost a leadership spill to Alexander Downer in 1994. He subsequently left parliament the following year, concluding his direct involvement in federal politics. Yet, his voice did not fade from public life. Since his parliamentary departure, Hewson has remained a respected public expert, providing insightful commentary on business and political affairs. His deep economic knowledge and experience continue to make him a sought-after analyst. In a notable development, Hewson resigned his Liberal Party membership in 2019. This decision came after several years of expressing increasing criticism regarding the party's policy direction, particularly on critical issues such as climate change, underscoring his independent thought and unwavering commitment to his principles.

The 1993 Australian Federal Election: A Turning Point

The 1993 Australian federal election, held on March 13, 1993, was a pivotal event in the nation's political history, determining the composition of the 37th Parliament of Australia. All 147 seats in the Australian House of Representatives and 40 of the 76-seat Australian Senate were up for election. Against the odds and general expectations, the incumbent centre-left Australian Labor Party, under the leadership of Prime Minister Paul Keating, secured an extraordinary fifth consecutive term in office. This victory saw them defeat the centre-right Liberal/National Coalition, led by Opposition Leader John Hewson of the Liberal Party and his coalition partner Tim Fischer of the National Party of Australia. It remains, to date, the only time the Labor Party has won five consecutive federal elections. The outcome was particularly significant as Labor, defying many pre-election polls, not only prevailed but also managed to increase its number of seats in parliament. This unexpected triumph marked the last time Labor won a federal election until 2007, solidifying its place in Australian political lore as a masterclass in campaigning against a strong opposition platform.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Hewson

Who is John Hewson?

John Robert Hewson AM is a former Australian politician, economist, and business journalist. He served as the leader of the Liberal Party from 1990 to 1994 and was a key figure in the 1993 federal election.

When was John Hewson born?

John Hewson was born on October 28, 1946.

What was John Hewson famous for in politics?

John Hewson is most famous for leading the Liberal Party and the Coalition into the 1993 federal election with his ambitious "Fightback!" policy manifesto, which proposed significant economic reforms including a Goods and Services Tax (GST).

What was John Hewson's background before politics?

Before entering parliament, Hewson had a distinguished career as an economist. He worked for the Reserve Bank of Australia, advised the Fraser Government, was a business journalist, and served as a director of Macquarie Bank. He holds a PhD in Economics from Johns Hopkins University.

What happened in the 1993 Australian federal election?

The 1993 election saw John Hewson's Liberal-National Coalition lose to Paul Keating's incumbent Labor Party, despite many polls predicting a Coalition victory. Labor secured a historic fifth consecutive term, largely due to a successful counter-campaign against Hewson's "Fightback!" policies, particularly the GST.

Has John Hewson remained involved in public life after leaving parliament?

Yes, since leaving parliament in 1995, John Hewson has continued to be a prominent public expert, offering commentary on business and political issues. He resigned his Liberal Party membership in 2019 due to disagreements with the party's policy direction, particularly on climate change.