Paul Keating

The ambitious Paul Keating entered Parliament at the age of 25 in 1969. Advised by his early mentor Jack Lang to not waste a moment’s time, he became the youngest ever Minister when he took over the portfolio for the Northern Territories in the final weeks of the Whitlam Government. When Bob Hawke led the Labor Party back to Government in 1983, he appointed Keating his Treasurer after his short period in the Shadow portfolio. Faced with economic recession, the inexperienced Keating had to learn fast. It was not long before he was being touted as Hawke’s heir.

As Treasurer, and later as Prime Minister, Keating was a controversial figure. His perceived arrogance and apparent disregard for parliamentary etiquette evoked strong public reaction. Geoff Pryor often portrayed him in the guise of Louis XIV of France—drawing reference to the appearance of absolute rule which Keating did little to discourage, as well as his love of things French. This haughty ‘boy from Bankstown’ with his long, lanky physique and venomous wit was certainly one of Pryor’s favourite subjects.

Top: Treasurer Paul Keating tries to dig up some dirt on his Leader, Prime Minister Bob Hawke.

Bottom: One of Pryor’s many cartoons featuring his popular caricature of Paul Keating as Louis XIV of France, otherwise known as ‘The Sun King’.