Bob Hawke turns 80

Former prime minister Bob Hawke celebrates his 80th birthday on Wednesday.

Mr Hawke, one of the country's most popular leaders, has remained active in
political life since he retired from parliament soon after losing the prime
ministership to Paul Keating in December 1991.
Labor figures gathered to celebrate his birthday last month at a function in
Adelaide, where he was credited with opening up the federal economy to form a fairer
society.
In August, he received life membership of the national ALP at the party's national
conference.
An emotional Mr Hawke told the gathering that the labour movement and the ALP had
been an "enduring love of my life".
Mr Hawke, who lives in Sydney, is expected to celebrate in private on Wednesday with
family and friends.
Calls to his office were not returned on Tuesday.