John Hewson - Federal Political Career

Federal Political Career

Hewson was elected at the 1987 election to the House of Representatives for the affluent Sydney electorate of Wentworth. Prior to his election he was told he would have to give up his Ferrari to get pre selected. however Hewson retained his car despite attracting controversy courtesy of it. He entered Parliament at a time when there was a leadership vacuum on the conservative side of politics. The Coalition lead by John Howard lost the 1987 elections and a majorty of Liberal MPs voted to keep him as leader over his predecessor Andrew Peacock. In September 1988, Howard appointed Hewson shadow finance minister. In May 1989, when Andrew Peacock replaced Howard as Leader, Hewson became shadow treasurer. Prior to Howard's dumping Shadow finance minister Hewson was seen as the real shadow treasurer over Andrew Peacock who was shadow treasurer prior to Howard's disposal. In the lead up to the 1990 election, Hewson performed well against the then-Treasurer Paul Keating. Hewson claimed in December 1989 that Keating was releuctant to debate with him on the economy.

Read more about this topic:  John Hewson

Famous quotes containing the words federal, political and/or career:

    Daniel as a lad bought a handkerchief on which the Federal Constitution was printed; it is said that at intervals while working in the meadows around this house, he would retire to the shade of the elms and study the Constitution from his handkerchief.
    —For the State of New Hampshire, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)

    Do we call this the land of the free? What is it to be free from King George and continue the slaves of King Prejudice? What is it to be born free and not to live free? What is the value of any political freedom, but as a means to moral freedom? Is it a freedom to be slaves, or a freedom to be free, of which we boast?
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)

    I began my editorial career with the presidency of Mr. Adams, and my principal object was to render his administration all the assistance in my power. I flattered myself with the hope of accompanying him through [his] voyage, and of partaking in a trifling degree, of the glory of the enterprise; but he suddenly tacked about, and I could follow him no longer. I therefore waited for the first opportunity to haul down my sails.
    William Cobbett (1762–1835)