BULLDOGS legend Doug Hawkins wants voters to look beyond his football career when considering his suitability as a candidate in the September federal election.
Hawkins, 53, has joined former world champion boxer Barry Michael as part of the Victorian Senate team of Clive Palmer’s Palmer United Party.
He told the Weekly he was inspired by the billionaire miner’s passion for the country’s future and would be happy to see him as Australia’s next prime minister.
“He’s very passionate about Australia, passionate about the people of Australia and I’m happy to be involved,” Mr Hawkins said. “He doesn’t have to be doing this; it’s about helping the country.”
SEE: Barry Michael opens up about Senate bout
The Braybrook-raised former Footscray Bulldogs captain, who played more than 300 games for the AFL club, says feedback on his foray into politics has been mixed. “I don’t make out I know everything about politics, but I know my strengths. I’m a people person and there is an opportunity here to get involved.”
Mr Hawkins’ key concerns are rising unemployment and utility prices, healthcare cuts and homelessness. “The climate tax would be changed and things with refugees need to be done better.”
Hawkins remains circumspect on the performance of Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the number one ticket holder at the Bulldogs since 2010.
“She’s trying her best for the country. I’m not going to say she is doing a good job or a bad job, but I think she’s having a crack. If people are happy now, then they can continue to support Julia Gillard or Tony Abbott. All we are doing is giving people another option, so if they are not happy they can come over to the Palmer United Party.”
Mr Palmer intends to field candidates in every House of Representative seat and a Senate team in each state and territory.
He said Hawkins and Michael were not only great Australian sporting heroes, “they are great Australians’’.
‘‘Both are proven leaders.’’
