John Winston Howard

John Howard

John Winston Howard (born 26 July 1939) is an Australian former politician who served as the 25th prime minister of Australia from 1996 to 2007. He led the Liberal Party of Australia and his eleven-year tenure as prime minister is the second-longest in Australian history, after Sir Robert Menzies. Howard has been the oldest living Australian former prime minister since Bob Hawke's death in May 2019.

Born in Sydney, Howard studied law at the University of Sydney and worked as a commercial lawyer before entering politics. A former federal president of the Young Liberals, he unsuccessfully contested the 1968 New South Wales state election before being elected as the member of parliament (MP) for Bennelong in 1974. Howard joined the cabinet in 1977 and later that year became Treasurer of Australia, serving until the Fraser government's defeat in 1983. He was elected leader of the Liberal Party in 1985, replacing Andrew Peacock, but lost the 1987 federal election to Bob Hawke's Labor government and was removed from the leadership in 1989. Remaining influential within the party, he returned as leader in 1995, replacing Alexander Downer, and led the Liberal-National coalition to a landslide victory in the 1996 federal election.

During his first term, Howard introduced stricter gun laws following the Port Arthur massacre and controversially implemented a nationwide value-added tax, despite a pre-election pledge. The Howard government retained power in the 1998 federal election, although with a reduced majority. By the 2001 election, the Coalition trailed Labor in opinion polls. However, national security concerns following the September 11 attacks and Howard's hardline stance on asylum seekers boosted his popularity, leading to re-election.

In his third term, Australia contributed troops to the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War and led the International Force for East Timor. Howard secured a fourth term in 2004 but faced significant controversy over the Work Choices industrial relations reforms. The Coalition was defeated in the 2007 election by Kevin Rudd's Labor Party, with Howard also losing his seat of Bennelong to Maxine Mc Kew, becoming only the second sitting prime minister to lose his seat after Stanley Bruce in 1929. He subsequently retired from active politics but has remained involved in public political discourse.

Howard's government oversaw a period of economic growth and a significant reduction in government debt, aided by a mining boom. His broad voter appeal extended across the political spectrum, earning support from diverse demographics referred to as "Howard's battlers." Retrospective assessments of his leadership remain polarized, with criticism focusing on his involvement in the Iraq War, policies on asylum seekers, and economic reforms. Nonetheless, he is frequently ranked among the upper tier of Australian prime ministers by historians and the public.

Early and Personal Life

John Howard, born in the Sydney suburb of Earlwood, was the fourth son of Mona (née Kell) and Lyall Howard. His father, a World War I veteran and admirer of Winston Churchill, ran petrol stations in Dulwich Hill where Howard worked as a boy. Howard's ancestry includes English, Scottish, and Irish roots, with a convict ancestor, William Tooley, transported to New South Wales in 1816 for theft.

Howard was raised in a Methodist household and attended Earlwood Primary School, later moving on to Canterbury Boys' High School, where he excelled in debating, cricket, and rugby union. After his father's death when Howard was 16, his mother raised him. He suffered a hearing impairment from a young age, which left him with a slight speech impediment and influenced his academic performance and career choices, leading him to avoid pursuing a career as a barrister.

Howard graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney in 1962 and worked as a junior solicitor at Stephen Jaques and Stephen. After traveling the world in 1964, he returned to work at Clayton Utz before moving to a smaller firm where he eventually became a partner.

In 1971, Howard married fellow Liberal Party member Janette Parker. They have three children: Melanie (born 1974), Tim (born 1977), and Richard (born 1980). The Howards are practicing Christians.

Early Political Career

John Howard joined the Liberal Party in 1957 and quickly became active in party politics, serving as federal president of the Young Liberals from 1962 to 1964. He supported Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War, though later reflected that certain aspects could have been managed and communicated better.

In the 1963 federal election, Howard managed Tom Hughes's successful campaign in the seat of Parkes, unseating long-term Labor incumbent Les Haylen. In 1964, he traveled to London and volunteered for the Conservative Party during the UK general election.

Howard first contested political office in the 1968 New South Wales state election, standing for the marginal seat of Drummoyne. Despite a vigorous campaign and moving into the electorate with his mother, he narrowly lost to Labor's Reg Coady.

In 1974, Howard was elected to federal parliament as the Member for Bennelong, a suburban Sydney seat, during Gough Whitlam's Labor government. He supported Malcolm Fraser's leadership bid against Billy Snedden and, after Fraser's victory in the 1975 federal election, Howard was appointed Minister for Business and Consumer Affairs, serving until 1977. During this period, he adhered to Fraser's protectionist and pro-regulation economic stance.

Federal Treasurer (1977-1983)

John Howard was appointed Treasurer of Australia in December 1977 at the age of 38, succeeding Phillip Lynch. He was the youngest Treasurer since Chris Watson in 1904. Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser selected him for the role, citing his intelligence, managerial skills, and ability to quickly grasp complex issues.

As Treasurer, Howard became a proponent of free-market economics, challenging the protectionist economic policies that had dominated much of the 20th century. His economic stance evolved to favor:

Tax Reform: Advocating for a broad-based tax system, including the eventual Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Industrial Relations Reform: Pushing for a decentralized wage system, the end of compulsory unionism, and deregulation.
Privatization and Deregulation: Supporting reduced government intervention in markets.

Howard backed the 1978 Campbell Committee's inquiry into financial deregulation. Though Cabinet resisted full-scale deregulation, Howard initiated incremental reforms, such as the 1979 introduction of Treasury note tenders and the 1982 Treasury bond tender system. These steps were seen as foundational to later financial reforms, including the Australian dollar float in 1983.

In 1981, Howard proposed a broad-based indirect tax with offsetting personal income tax cuts, but Cabinet rejected the idea for being politically and economically risky during inflationary pressures. His free-market views gained support among Liberal "dries" who opposed the protectionist stance of Fraser's government.

Tensions emerged between Howard and Fraser during the economic downturn of the early 1980s. Fraser favored Keynesian expansionary policies to counter recession, while Howard and Treasury officials resisted, fearing inflation. The conflict peaked during the 1982 "wages explosion," which saw a 16% wage increase nationwide, double-digit unemployment, 12.5% inflation, and interest rates reaching 21%.

The Fraser government lost the 1983 election to Bob Hawke's Labor Party. Over the following years, Howard's advocacy for free-market reforms gained wider acceptance within the Liberal Party, influencing policies like reduced protectionism, financial deregulation, and wage decentralization.

Leader of the Opposition (1985-1989)

After the defeat of the Fraser government in 1983 and Malcolm Fraser's resignation from parliament, John Howard contested the Liberal Party leadership but was defeated by Andrew Peacock, losing 36 votes to 20. However, he retained his position as deputy leader.

The Liberal Party continued to struggle against Bob Hawke's Labor government, losing again in the 1984 federal election. By 1985, as Labor's popularity improved, tensions grew within the Liberal Party. Howard's prominence increased while Peacock's popularity declined. Peacock demanded Howard provide assurances he would not challenge for the leadership, which Howard refused. This led Peacock to attempt replacing Howard as deputy with John Moore in September 1985.

However, Howard was re-elected as deputy leader by a vote of 38 to 31, signaling diminished support for Peacock's leadership. Seeing this result as a lack of confidence, Peacock chose not to contest a leadership ballot. Howard was elected Leader of the Opposition on 5 September 1985, defeating Jim Carlton by a commanding 57 votes to 6.

As Opposition Leader, Howard continued advocating for free-market economic reforms, including tax reform, industrial relations deregulation, and a smaller role for government in economic management. His leadership marked a shift in the Liberal Party towards stronger economic liberalism and market-driven policies.

Loss of Leadership and Return to Power (1989-1996)

In 1989, as Australia's economic situation worsened, public opinion began shifting away from the Labor government, but John Howard and the Coalition failed to secure a decisive polling lead. Internal tensions within the Liberal Party peaked when influential businessman and party president John Elliott covertly supported Andrew Peacock in a leadership challenge against Howard. In May 1989, a surprise coup ousted Howard as leader. When questioned if he could ever return as Liberal leader, Howard famously responded it would be like "Lazarus with a triple bypass."

The leadership loss deeply impacted Howard, leading to a difficult period personally and professionally. He rejected Peacock's offer to serve as Shadow Education Minister and instead returned to the backbench, where disunity plagued the party. A "Four Corners" investigative report further detailed the chaotic circumstances of his removal.

After the Coalition lost the 1990 federal election, Howard considered challenging Peacock but lacked sufficient support. When Peacock eventually resigned, John Hewson, a former Howard staffer, took over as leader, advocating a bold economic reform agenda centered around the controversial Goods and Services Tax (GST). Howard supported Hewson's policies but was disappointed by the Coalition's unexpected defeat in the 1993 election. Hewson's refusal to step down prevented Howard from reclaiming leadership. In 1994, the party leadership shifted to Alexander Downer, with Howard once again being overlooked.

Return as Opposition Leader (1995)

By early 1995, leaked internal polling revealed the Coalition had little chance of success in the next election under the gaffe-prone Alexander Downer. Facing mounting pressure, Downer resigned on 26 January 1995, and Howard was elected unopposed as Liberal leader.

This time, Howard adopted a more strategic, "small-target" approach, focusing on economic management and public dissatisfaction with Labor's prolonged governance. To avoid repeating mistakes from the 1993 campaign, he softened his earlier stances, reaffirming support for Medicare and distancing himself from controversial remarks on Asian immigration. He famously described Australia as "a unique intersection between Europe, North America, and Asia."

In May 1995, Howard promised that a GST would "never ever" be part of the Liberal Party's policy, referencing its role in Hewson's electoral defeat. This commitment, along with effective messaging about the early 1990s recession and Labor's long incumbency, helped Howard position the Coalition strongly for the upcoming 1996 election.

Prime Ministership of John Howard (1996–2007)

First Term (1996–1998)

John Howard became Prime Minister of Australia on 11 March 1996, after leading the Coalition to a landslide victory against the Labor Party, led by Paul Keating. The Coalition secured a 29-seat swing, marking the second-worst defeat for an incumbent government in Australian history. Howard capitalized on widespread public dissatisfaction with Labor, appealing to many traditionally working-class voters, later termed "Howard battlers."

Key Policies and Events:

Gun Control: In the wake of the Port Arthur massacre in April 1996, where 35 people were killed, Howard introduced sweeping gun control reforms. Despite significant opposition from rural voters and parts of his party, he successfully pushed for the National Firearms Agreement, which significantly restricted gun ownership and initiated a large-scale gun buyback program.
Pauline Hanson and Race Relations: Howard faced criticism for his delayed response to Pauline Hanson, a former Liberal candidate who made controversial remarks about minorities and immigration. He eventually condemned her views seven months after her inflammatory maiden speech.
Wik Decision and Indigenous Land Rights: Following the 1996 High Court Wik decision, which expanded Indigenous land rights under native title, Howard's government introduced the "Ten-Point Plan" to limit the ruling's implications, sparking national debate on Indigenous rights.

Tax Reform and GST (1997-1998)

Howard's major policy initiative during his first term was the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Despite previously declaring the GST would "never ever" be Coalition policy, Howard championed it as part of a broader tax reform package. This led to the 1998 federal election being framed as a "referendum on the GST."

The election saw the Coalition lose the national two-party preferred vote and suffer a 14-seat swing. However, the distribution of seats allowed Howard to narrowly retain power with a reduced 12-seat majority.

Challenges:

Declining poll support due to unpopular spending cuts aimed at eliminating the budget deficit.
The GST debate, which alienated some voters.
Industrial relations controversies, including the 1998 waterfront dispute.
Partial privatization of Telstra, the government-owned telecommunications company.

Despite these challenges, Howard's policy consistency and focus on economic reform kept his government intact for a second term, albeit with a reduced mandate.

John Howard's Second Term as Prime Minister (1998–2001)

Howard's second term was marked by significant political and international developments, including constitutional, foreign policy, and Indigenous affairs.

Key Events and Policies:

Republic Referendum (1999): Howard, a staunch monarchist, convened a constitutional convention that endorsed Australia becoming a republic under a "minimalist model." However, Howard's preference for retaining the constitutional monarchy influenced the 1999 referendum, where Australians rejected the proposed model despite prior polling favoring a republic.

East Timor Crisis (1999): Following a letter from Howard urging Indonesian President B.J. Habibie to hold a referendum on East Timor's independence, a violent backlash occurred after the vote favored independence. Howard led an Australian-led international peacekeeping force (INTERFET) to restore order. While the mission was successful, it strained relations with Indonesia temporarily.

Indigenous Reconciliation: Howard resisted calls for a formal parliamentary apology to Indigenous Australians despite the findings of the "Bringing Them Home" report. He instead negotiated a "Motion of Reconciliation" that expressed regret but avoided the term "sorry."

Leadership Tensions: Howard hinted at retirement by age 64, fueling leadership tensions with Peter Costello. However, he continued to serve, leading to public leadership speculation.

Tampa Affair and Border Protection: In 2001, the Howard government blocked the Norwegian freighter MV Tampa from landing asylum seekers, sparking international debate. This tough stance on border protection, along with rising petrol prices and economic concerns, helped Howard recover in the polls.

2001 Election Victory: Despite earlier poor polling, Howard led the Coalition to an increased majority in the 2001 federal election, aided by strong border protection policies and the impact of the September 11 attacks, which emphasized national security concerns.

Third Term (2001–2004)

Howard's third term was dominated by foreign policy, particularly his close alliance with U.S. President George W. Bush and participation in the War on Terror.

Key Events and Policies:

War on Terror: After being in Washington during the September 11 attacks, Howard invoked the ANZUS Treaty, committing Australian support to the U.S.-led War on Terror. Australia deployed troops to Afghanistan in 2001 and later Iraq in 2003.

Iraq War (2003): Howard supported the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, deploying Australian forces despite significant public protests. His government's stance generated mixed reactions but solidified ties with the Bush administration.

2002 Bali Bombings: Howard responded to the terrorist attacks in Bali, which killed 88 Australians, with strong anti-terrorism measures and renewed national security policies.

2004 Election Victory: Howard secured a fourth term with a five-seat swing in the 2004 election, gaining control of both the House and Senate for the first time since 1981. His leadership stability, economic messaging, and attacks on Labor's leadership under Mark Latham contributed to this success.

By December 2004, Howard became the second-longest serving Australian Prime Minister after Robert Menzies.

John Howard's leadership during his second and third terms as Prime Minister of Australia (1998–2004) was marked by significant challenges and successes, shaping both national and international policy.

Key Moments and Developments

Second Term (1998–2001):

Republic Referendum (1999): Howard, a committed monarchist, oversaw a constitutional convention that proposed a republican model for Australia. However, the referendum on the republic model was rejected by voters, despite prior support in opinion polls. Howard's firm stance in favor of the monarchy influenced the outcome.

East Timor Crisis (1999): Following Indonesia's announcement of a referendum on East Timor's independence, violence broke out, prompting Howard to lead an Australian-led peacekeeping force (INTERFET) to restore order. The operation was widely supported but initially strained relations with Indonesia.

Indigenous Reconciliation: Howard faced criticism for not providing a parliamentary apology to Indigenous Australians, as recommended by the "Bringing Them Home" report. He instead negotiated a "Motion of Reconciliation" that expressed regret without the formal apology.

Tampa Affair and Border Protection (2001): Howard's government took a hard stance on asylum seekers, notably blocking the Norwegian freighter MV Tampa from docking with rescued refugees, which sparked international debate but boosted his standing in domestic polls as part of his "border protection" policies.

2001 Election Victory: Despite concerns over economic issues, Howard's strong stance on national security, especially following the September 11 attacks, helped the Coalition secure a solid victory. The government's tough stance on border protection also played a crucial role in reversing previous polling downturns.

Third Term (2001–2004):

War on Terror: Following the September 11 attacks, Howard invoked the ANZUS Treaty and aligned Australia with the U.S. in the War on Terror. Australian forces were deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. Howard's support for the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq was controversial but solidified ties with President George W. Bush.

Iraq War (2003): Australia's decision to participate in the invasion of Iraq led to public protests, but Howard remained resolute, positioning Australia as a key ally in the War on Terror. The decision was unpopular with some sectors but strengthened Australia’s relationship with the United States.

Bali Bombings (2002): In response to the Bali bombing, which killed 88 Australians, Howard bolstered anti-terrorism efforts, cementing his role as a leader focused on national security.

2004 Election Victory: Howard led the Coalition to another election win in 2004, securing a stronger majority in the House and Senate, a rare feat for any Australian government. The victory was attributed to his stable leadership, strong economic message, and strategic attacks on Labor's leadership under Mark Latham.

By December 2004, Howard had become the second-longest serving Australian Prime Minister, after Sir Robert Menzies, reflecting the longevity and influence of his time in office.

The 2007 Australian federal election marked a significant turning point in John Howard's political career, as it resulted in a decisive defeat for his government and personal loss of his seat.

Key Events Leading to the Election:

Polling and Leadership Shift: For almost two years before the election, the Coalition had been trailing the Labor Party in opinion polls. The gap widened further after Kevin Rudd became the leader of the opposition. Rudd's popularity, compared to Howard's declining approval, played a major role in the election's outcome.

Campaign and Protests: Throughout the election campaign, Howard faced significant opposition and protests, including from groups like the "John Howard Ladies Auxiliary Fanclub." His leadership was targeted for criticism on various issues, and his government was accused of being out of touch with public opinion on key matters.

Election Results:

Swing to Labor: The election saw a massive 23-seat swing to the Labor Party, a result nearly as large as the 29-seat swing that brought Howard into power in 1996. This swing was crucial in allowing Labor to form a majority government under Kevin Rudd.

Loss of Bennelong Seat: A highly symbolic loss for Howard was the defeat in his own electorate of Bennelong to former journalist Maxine McKew. Howard had held Bennelong since 1974, but McKew won with 51.4% of the vote, defeating Howard by just over 2,400 votes. The final result came after a significant number of Green preferences flowed to McKew, who won on the 14th count of the vote tally.

Historical Context: Howard became only the second Australian Prime Minister in history to lose his seat in an election, joining Stanley Bruce, who lost his seat in 1929.

Post-Election:

Caretaker Prime Minister: Despite the defeat, Howard remained as caretaker Prime Minister until Kevin Rudd was formally sworn in on 3 December 2007.

Public Perception:

Election Study Analysis: Media analysis of the Australian Election Study found that while voters respected Howard's political career and felt he had won the six-week campaign, he was viewed as being "out of touch" on key issues. Conversely, Rudd achieved a record-high "likeability" rating, and many voters had already made up their minds before the campaign began, indicating the deep shift in public opinion.

This defeat marked the end of John Howard's long tenure as Prime Minister, and it was a major victory for Kevin Rudd and the Australian Labor Party, signaling a new political era.

Post-Prime Ministerial Life (2007–Present)

Following his defeat in the 2007 federal election, John Howard transitioned into various public and private roles, continuing his involvement in politics, public speaking, and international affairs.

Public Speaking and International Involvement

Public Speaking: In January 2008, Howard signed with the Washington Speakers Bureau, joining figures like Tony Blair and Colin Powell. He offered speeches on topics like "Leadership in the New Century" and "The Global Economic Future."

Cricket and Other Roles: Howard was nominated but ultimately not selected for the role of president of the International Cricket Council (ICC). He also served as the chairman of the International Democrat Union (IDU) from 2002 to 2014, a group of conservative political parties.

Continued Engagement in Public Life

The Australian and New Zealand Cricket Boards nominated Howard for the ICC president role, but he was not selected.

Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation: In 2017, Howard launched the Ramsay Centre, which focuses on the study of Western civilization.

Same-Sex Marriage Debate: Howard played a role in the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey of 2017, endorsing the "No" vote against legalizing same-sex marriage in Australia.

Character Reference for George Pell: In 2019, Howard provided a character reference for Cardinal George Pell, a senior Catholic leader whose conviction for child sexual abuse was later overturned.

Political Endorsements: In 2021, Howard endorsed Dominic Perrottet to succeed Gladys Berejiklian as Premier of New South Wales.

Indigenous Voice Referendum: In 2023, ahead of the Australian Indigenous Voice referendum, Howard sparked controversy with remarks claiming the British colonization of Australia was the "luckiest thing" for the country.

Honours and Recognition

Howard received numerous honours and awards for his leadership and contributions:

Companion of the Order of Australia (AC): In January 2008, Howard was named Companion of the Order of Australia for his distinguished service as Prime Minister.

Foreign Honours:

Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009) from U.S. President George W. Bush.
Star of the Solomon Islands (2005).
Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (2013) from Japan.

Honorary Degrees:

Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2008).
Bond University (2009).
Macquarie University (2012).
University of Sydney (2016).
University of Newcastle (2021).

Medals and Awards:

Centenary Medal (2001).
Woodrow Wilson Award (2005).
Presidential Gold Medal (2006).
Irving Kristol Award (2008) from the American Enterprise Institute.

John Howard’s post-political life reflects his continued influence on public affairs, especially in conservative and international circles, and his involvement in both political and academic fields.

References

corporateName=Commonwealth Parliament; address=Parliament House, C. (2024) John Winston Howard OM AC, Home – Parliament of Australia. Available at: https://www.aph.gov.au/Visit_Parliament/Art/Stories_and_Histories/HMC/Prime_Ministers/John_Winston_Howard_OM_AC (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
The hon John Howard OM AC SSI (2022) McKinnon Prize. Available at: https://www.mckinnonprize.org.au/panellists/hon-john-howard-om-ac/ (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
IMDb (no date) John Howard, IMDb. Available at: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0397401/ (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
John Howard (2025) Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Winston-Howard (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
John Howard speaking engagements, schedule, & fee (2025) WSB. Available at: https://www.wsb.com/speakers/john-howard/ (Accessed: 15 January 2025).

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