Then, famously, the Prime Minister Bob Hawke effectively gave the entire nation the next day off.

BBC: Cycling fans' endurance rewarded

If he is right, he could still join only two other Australian prime ministers, Robert Menzies and Bob Hawke, in winning a fourth term.

ECONOMIST: Iraq, the economy and honesty will dominate the campaign

Previous prime ministers such as Bob Hawke and Paul Keating established the first ties with Asia, but the new policy would be deeper and more organised, adds our correspondent.

BBC: Australia PM Julia Gillard outlines Asia manifesto