The Joh for Canberra campaign, initially known as the Joh for PM campaign, was an attempt by Queensland National Party premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen to become Prime Minister of Australia. The campaign was announced in January 1987 and drew substantial support from Queensland businessmen and some conservative politicians. The campaign caused a split in the federal Coalition. It did not attract widespread support and collapsed in June 1987. The Australian Labor Party, led by Bob Hawke, went on to win the 1987 federal election with an increased majority, gaining its highest-ever number of seats. Bjelke-Petersen came under increasing scrutiny as the Fitzgerald Inquiry gained traction, and was forced out of politics altogether in December 1987.
A political cartoon compares Bjelke-Petersen to Napoleon on his retreat from Moscow.
Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen successfully cultivated an image as a hard-working, Queensland 'everyman'.
National Party of Australia
The National Party of Australia, also known as The Nationals or The Nats, is a centre-right, agrarian political party in Australia. Traditionally representing graziers, farmers, and regional voters generally, it began as the Australian Country Party in 1920 at a federal level.
William McWilliams, Country Party leader 1920–1921
Sir Earle Page, Prime Minister of Australia 1939
Sir Arthur Fadden, Prime Minister of Australia 1941
Sir John McEwen, Prime Minister of Australia 1967–68