Labor Party (ALP) leader and prime minister 1991-96. He was treasurer and deputy leader of the ALP 1983-91. In 1993 he announced plans for Australia to become a federal republic by the year 2001, which incited a mixed reaction among Australians. He and his party lost the Feb 1996 general election to John Howard,leader of the Liberal Party. Keating was active in ALP politics from the age of 15. He held several posts in Labor's shadow ministry 1976-83. As finance minister 1983-91 under Bob Hawke, Keating was unpopular with the public for his harsh economic policies. He successfully challenged Hawke for the ALP party leadership Dec 1991 and his premiership was confirmed by the March 1993 general election victory of the ALP, for an unprecedented fifth term of office.
