Hockey: Not Your Average Joe (29 page)

Joe was much younger than his siblings, Colin (left), Juanita and Michael. Here they watch Joe try out his new tricycle in front of their west Chatswood home, while their pet dog Jackie looks on.

Joe, age ten, is dressed and ready for school in the St Aloysius’ College uniform. He’s pictured here, with parents, Richard and Beverley. By this stage, Joe had already declared to his family and friends that one day he wanted to be prime minister.

Cadet under officer Joe Hockey with staff Sergeant Reno Aprile and boxer Alexis, enjoying a camp exercise at Singleton.

Joe and one of his closest school friends, Jeremy Melloy, prepare for their Year 12 school formal in 1983. This picture was taken by one of their dates before the celebration.

Joe’s first political foray, to be elected president of the SRC at the University of Sydney, played on the fact that he was running as an Independent who was focused on students’ concerns, and not representing an established political party.

While studying at the University of Sydney, Joe would often take trips away with a group of friends. Ready to tackle the slopes of Perisher are (left to right): Hugo Walker, David McGlinchey, Damyon Lill, Lewis Macken and Joe.

Joe was the first person in his family to graduate from university. Within months of graduating he would take his first position at corporate law firm Corrs Australian Solicitors.

A group portrait taken at the Young Liberals’ national convention in 1992 when Joe was a candidate for federal president. Among the young faces are: (Joe’s left) senior Liberal Party stalwart Michael Photios; (Joe’s right) Trent Zimmerman, who remains a good friend and advisor to Joe, (far right at front) Don Harwin, president of the NSW Legislative Council; and Melissa Babbage, who later became Joe’s wife (second row, far right).

Joe and Melissa celebrated their wedding in style on 18 December 1993. The ceremony was held at The University of Sydney’s St John’s College.

A young George Souris, as finance minister, with Joe in New York City to visit the rating agencies. Souris, who was passionate about the Arts, took Joe to his first theatrical experience.

Joe was introduced to Jelly Roll Morton by George Souris. He came home and bought a saxophone, with the intention of taking lessons. He last played it on his wedding day!

Joe presenting the Queen with a commemorative coin in Parliament House, while he was responsible for the Royal Australian Mint, 2000. It was during this time he was cautioned by John Howard, after plans surfaced for the Queen to be removed from the $5 note. (Courtesy David Foote/Auspic)