Bob Hawke, Australia’s 23rd Prime Minister, has died at the age of 89. The legendary Labor Party leader led the country and party from 1983 to 1991, and his contribution to public life helped shape modern Australia.
Hawke’s achievements as Prime Minister included modernising the economy and integrating it into the global community, establishing Medicare, and championing environmental issues. He won four federal elections, making him Labor’s longest-serving prime minister and Australia’s third-longest-serving prime minister behind Robert Menzies and John Howard.
Mr Hawke is survived by his wife and biographer Blanche d’Alpuget, and his three children — Susan, Stephen and Rosslyn.
Ms d’Alpuget released a statement saying “he died peacefully at home” and that his children, stepson Louis, and his grandchildren would hold a private funeral ahead of a memorial service in Sydney in the coming weeks.
“Bob was dearly loved by his family, and so many friends and colleagues,” the statement read. “We will miss him.
“The golden bowl is broken.”
Following news of Hawke’s passing, many have taken to social media to praise the legendary politician.
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