Page "Malcolm Fraser" Paragraph 21

At the 1980 election, Fraser saw his majority sharply reduced and his coalition lose control of the Senate.

Fraser was convinced, however, that he had the measure of the Labor leader, Bill Hayden.

But in 1982 the economy experienced a sharp recession ; and also a protracted scandal over tax-avoidance schemes run by prominent Liberals plagued the government.

A popular minister, Andrew Peacock, resigned from Cabinet and challenged Fraser's leadership.

Although Fraser won, these events left him politically weakened.