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Paul Keating Facts & Worksheets

Between 1991 and 1996, Paul Keating held the position of Prime Minister for Australia. He was known for his goal of economic reform, which included enacting the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and facilitating Australia's economic liberalization under the Keating administration.

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Between 1991 and 1996, Paul Keating held the position of Prime Minister for Australia. He was known for his goal of economic reform, which included enacting the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and facilitating Australia’s economic liberalization under the Keating administration. Keating’s direction led to significant social changes, including recognizing Indigenous land rights through the Native Title Act.

See the fact file below for more information about Paul Keating, or you can download our 27-page Paul Keating worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

OVERVIEW

  • Paul Keating gained prominence as an Australian Labor Party member, joining the Labor Party a year after he left school at age 14.
  • Under Prime Minister Bob Hawke, he was Australia’s Treasurer from 1983 to 1991. In December 1991, he was appointed Prime Minister, a post he retained until March 1996. 
  • In 1969, Keating was elected to the Australian House of Representatives for the first time, serving as the representative for the Blaxland electorate in New South Wales. 
  • His support of social and economic changes during his formative years in politics laid the foundation for his subsequent successes as Australia’s Prime Minister and Treasurer.

CAREER

  • Keating was named Treasurer in Prime Minister Bob Hawke’s administration in 1983. As Treasurer, he carried out critical economic reforms, such as banking deregulation, tariff reductions, and the floating of Australian currency.
  • Keating succeeded Bob Hawke in challenging the Labor Party leadership, and in December 1991, he was named Prime Minister of Australia. By introducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and pursuing deeper relations with Asia through programs like the Keating government’s participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, he carried out his economic reform agenda while serving as prime minister.
  • The Native Title Act, which acknowledged Indigenous land rights, and initiatives to foster peace with Indigenous Australians were among the social changes that Keating’s government also pushed.
  • Keating continued to be involved in public life after leaving government in 1996, providing analysis on political and economic matters. He has continued engaging in various pursuits, including business and artistic interests.
  • Paul Keating had a tremendous influence on Australian politics and policy during his career, helping to shape the nation’s social and economic environment.

PRIME MINISTERSHIP

  • Following his successful challenge to Bob Hawke for the Australian Labor Party leadership in December 1991, Paul Keating was named Australia’s prime minister. Keating made several social and economic changes throughout his administration to modernize Australia’s economy and society. 
  • Through programs like APEC, his government aimed to forge stronger ties with Asia while introducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST), deregulating the financial industry, and floating the Australian currency. Notwithstanding political obstacles, Keating’s tenure as prime minister transformed Australia’s social and economic fabric and established him as one of the nation’s most significant figures.

CONTRIBUTIONS

  • During Keating’s administration, several major economic reforms were implemented, including deregulation of the banking industry, reducing tariffs, and floating the Australian dollar. These actions positively impacted Australia’s economy by making it more competitive, resulting in steady growth.
  • During his time in office, Keating advocated for creating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) even though it faced political opposition. After his term in office, the GST was eventually implemented. This tax system significantly changed Australia as it introduced a broad consumption tax that helped fund government services while reducing its reliance on income taxes. The introduction of GST revolutionized Australia’s tax structure.
  • Keating prioritized closer ties with Asia, recognizing its growing economic importance. He played a crucial role in establishing the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference, which promoted the integration and collaboration of regional economies.
  • During Keating’s administration, several social reforms were implemented to advance social fairness and equality. These initiatives included policies to foster reconciliation with Indigenous Australians and the Native Title Act, which acknowledged Indigenous land rights.
  • Keating was known for supporting the arts, and his administration funded projects such as the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery of Australia.
  • The government under Keating implemented measures to preserve Australia’s natural heritage, including safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef and establishing national parks and conservation areas.
  • These contributions align with Paul Keating’s vision of an inclusive, contemporary, and competitive Australia that prioritizes social fairness, economic prosperity, and global engagement.

KEATING TODAY

  • Paul Keating retired from active politics in 2007.
  • Keating has remained in public life after leaving politics but has mostly avoided the limelight. Some still value his thoughts as he periodically criticizes political, cultural, and economic matters. 
  • Keating has also followed a variety of commercial ventures and has been active in artistic and architectural pursuits. However, given his tendency to maintain a lower profile than during his tenure in office, precise information regarding his current whereabouts may not always be easily accessible.
  • Paul Keating still engages in various activities, primarily emphasizing business and cultural endeavors. He is renowned for his sporadic commentary on political and economic issues, frequently shedding light on Australia’s position in the world economy and international affairs. Despite not having a formal political post, Keating has significantly impacted Australian public life and continues to do so.

Paul Keating Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Paul Keating across 27 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Paul Keating. He was known for his goal of economic reform, which included enacting the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and facilitating Australia’s economic liberalization under the Keating administration. Keating’s direction led to significant social changes, including recognizing Indigenous land rights through the Native Title Act.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Paul Keating Facts
  2. Word Search
  3. Make Use Of
  4. Timeline
  5. Paul Once Said
  6. Biography
  7. Fun Facts
  8. Addressing the Issue
  9. What Are They Like?
  10. Storyboard
  11. Keating’s Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Paul Keating?

Paul Keating is a prominent Australian politician who served as the 24th Prime Minister of Australia from 1991 to 1996. He was also the leader of the Australian Labor Party from 1991 to 1996.

What are some key achievements of Paul Keating during his time as Prime Minister?

Keating is known for his economic reforms, including the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), deregulation of the financial sector, and labor market reforms. He also played a significant role in advancing Australia’s engagement with Asia, particularly through initiatives such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

How did Paul Keating rise to prominence in Australian politics?

Keating began his political career as a member of the Australian House of Representatives in 1969. He held various ministerial positions before becoming Treasurer in the Hawke Labor government in 1983. His economic policies and leadership style contributed to his rise within the Labor Party, eventually leading to his elevation to the Prime Ministership in 1991.

What were some controversies or challenges faced by Paul Keating during his tenure as Prime Minister?

Keating faced criticism for his economic reforms, particularly the introduction of the GST, which was a contentious issue during his time in office. He also faced challenges within his own party, including leadership tensions and policy disagreements.

What is Paul Keating’s legacy in Australian politics?

Keating is remembered as one of Australia’s most influential Prime Ministers, particularly for his economic reforms and efforts to modernize the Australian economy. His vision for Australia’s engagement with Asia and his role in shaping the country’s foreign policy are also significant aspects of his legacy. Despite facing criticism and electoral defeat in 1996, Keating remains a prominent figure in Australian political history.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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