The 1982 and 1983 Cabinet records

1982 was a difficult year for Malcolm Fraser's Liberal-National Party Coalition government. Like many governments that have survived three elections there was a sense of an ageing ministry that was losing cohesion and determination. Ideological differences were becoming sharpened by personal rivalries and the media reported heated exchanges at some Cabinet meetings. On 8 April tensions between Fraser and Andrew Peacock, who had been Minister for Industrial Relations until his departure from the ministry in April 1981, came to a head. Fraser brought on a vote for the Liberal leadership and defeated Peacock by 54 votes to 27. At the same time John Howard replaced Phillip Lynch as deputy leader.
The 1982 and 1983 Cabinet records