John Howard’s political career and activities were a major contribution to the government’s history.
John Howard’s government career started after being elected into the House of Representatives in the 1974 elections. Following his election, he then became a Liberal member for the Bennelong Sidney seat. In December of 1975, Howard became a Minister for the first time, and took responsibility for consumers affairs and business. He held the position for two years and then changed job responsibilities when he served as the Prime Minister’s assistant. He later became the Minister for Special Trade Negotiation and Treasurer. He serves as Treasurer for over five years until 1983.
In the next 13 years, Howard worked under the shadow ministry. For 2 years, he served as Deputy Leader for the Liberal Party and Shadow Treasurer. He then replaced Andrew Peacock as the Opposition’s Leader on September 1985. Because of the change in the opposition’s leadership, as well as the rivalry between Peacock and Howard, the rise of a new group of supporters began. These supporters believed in the ‘economic rationalist’ philosophy (‘dry’ ideology) within the Liberal Party. It came to a point where these ‘dry’ ideology supporters became more dominant than those who were supporters of the ‘wet’ ideology (group of people who were more focused on issues like social justice and other minor liberal concerns).
Howard led the Liberal political party in the 1987 election, where they lost. He continued to be in that position for 2 more years, then was replaced by Peacock in 1989. In 1995, at a time when the Liberal party was in disorder, Howard became Leader again. Under his leadership, the opposition began a campaign on a promise of significantly reducing the heavy debt carried by the Commonwealth.