The Hazel Hawke Collection

Asked whether she saw herself as a family woman or a career woman, Hazel Hawke, then wife of Bob Hawke, Australia's Prime Minister from 1983 to 1991, answered 'I don't classify myself'.

'I have always felt strongly about the importance of education. We all know that it can make a critical difference to a person's chances to develop talents and capacity, and to their ability to contribute effectively to the wider community' (speaking of the establishment of a scholarship in her name at Curtin University in 2000).

'Home-making and child raising is a most creative, satisfying job, requiring many skills, much decision-making, commitment, self-discipline and challenge'.(National Press Club speech, 1984)

'Having the chance to observe, up close and personal, the realities of what it is to exercise national leadership is a massive privilege, and surprisingly sobering. (My own life p 296)