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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
Comment

Government and nation can't afford to avoid productive debate on economic reform

Paul Keating PC Australia John Howard Jim Chalmers
The Productivity Commission has delivered a message that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, don't want to hear. Picture Sitthixay Ditthavong

As the first light appeared above the Martin Place Cenotaph on Anzac Day 1991, my wife and I prepared to place the dawn service wreath on behalf of opposition leader John Hewson.

Looming ahead of us was the tall figure of Paul Keating, representing prime minister Bob Hawke. As Keating turned, I eagerly introduced myself as the new federal Liberal senator from Newcastle. Looking down his nose at me, he replied "Oh".

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