Keating!

Australians love to hate Paul Keating, the prime minister before the current occupant. Mostly they remember the high interest rates at the time of the recession in the early 90's. That hit them hard in the one area you don't mess with- the cost of and prices of their houses. Many also think him to be arrogant and out of touch with the common guy.

Portrait of P.J. Keating which hangs in Parliament House in Canberra (edited photo)

Certainly he was far from the stereotypical 'average' Aussie. Though coming from humble working class origins, he collects French antique clocks, loves classical music especially Mahler and wears tailored Zegna suits. I do not seem to remember him being particularly hot on either of the two sports- football and cricket- that keep Aussies opiated.

But I am a great fan of his. Firstly he was a radical in terms of his steps to free the Australian economy from the clunky old protectionist backwater it was turning into by continuing the financial deregulation and reduction of import tariffs of the Australian economy, looking to Asia as the place for Oz to find its future place in and his visionary moves to make Australia a republic and for reconciliation with the indigenous Aborigines after the High Court ruling on native title in the Mabo case.

He has inspired a new musical called- Keating!- that has had a good initial run; good enough for them to bring it back in March for a longer run.

For the sourpuss point of view, read Paul Sheehan's review.

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