Hypothetical: 'We can't be in the business of being merchants of death'

This episode of the Sunday program features the first edition of the Hypothetical segment broadcast on 11 March 1984.

The Hypothetical is unlike Sunday’s previous political panel interviews or studio debates. It was hosted by the London-based, Australian-born barrister, Geoffrey Robertson AO QC. Acting as a combination of interviewer, prosecutor and judge, he sets the stage for a series of complex problems and pushes the assembled experts to confront a hypothetical scenario through role play.

While the panel remains seated, Robertson roves the studio floor and talks directly with each panellist in a way seldom seen on television. He directs the action between the panellists and drives the scenario onwards, steadily increasing the pressure on each decision-maker, which makes for compelling viewing.

Entitled 'Corporate Country: Pinstripes Power and Politics', the scenario is based on two fictitious companies both preparing to launch silent helicopters onto the Australian market.  

Each panellist plays an invented role assigned to them but they are all obviously drawing on their skill sets and experience to manage the challenging and ever-evolving scenario, with Geoffrey Robertson playing puppetmaster. This particular exchange features Bob Ansett – then-managing director of Budget Rent-a-car, executive Jeremy Wright and labour leader and politician John Ducker AO. They are all great talent, but Ducker's line 'We can't be in the business of being merchants of death' really takes the cake in the drama stakes.

It is interesting to note that two of the other panellists are smoking cigarettes during the Hypothetical, which was unusual for the mid-1980s and unthinkable today.

Summary by Richard Vorobieff and Beth Taylor