The Latest Breaking News from Bob Hawke

Labor has inherited an economy with a pretty full “head of steam”.

Labor’s successful bid for government – only its fifth victory from opposition since the first world war – was based on an experiment that no one could have known would work.

On May 21, voters in Melbourne's western fringe will be casting a ballot in a newly formed electorate for the first time. Traditionally a safe Labor territory, residents say the often-overlooked area needs federal government attention and investment.

In troubled times, people look for strong leaders – men and women who offer decisive action to address collective problems, and promise the capacity to deliver. They initially present as larger-than-life characters, and we’ve had our share of them: Robert Menzies, Gough Whitlam, Bob Hawke, Paul Keating and perhaps Kevin…

Victorian unions say they won't work on any project at the Curtin Hotel that doesn't respect the hotel's history in a throwback to the 1970s "green bans" that halted dozens of projects.

Group of unions step up campaign to protect historic pub popular with leaders of Australia’s labour movement

Vale Mick Watson: Branxton boy plays his final round

This is the second in a two-part series on the major parties’ Treasury spokespeople. You can read Michelle Grattan’s profile of Josh Frydenberg here.

Newton is survived by his wife Jackie, daughter Kristie and son Clint. He has six grandchildren.