Leaks, The Lodge and a life in politics, Laurie Oakes tells all

By Michael Lallo
Updated November 26 2015 - 1:08am, first published 12:15am
Former prime minister John Howard on the Nine network Sunday program with Laurie Oakes. Oakes once reported the budget two days before then treasurer Howard delivered it. Photo: James Alcock JLA
Former prime minister John Howard on the Nine network Sunday program with Laurie Oakes. Oakes once reported the budget two days before then treasurer Howard delivered it. Photo: James Alcock JLA
Channel Nine's "Sunday" Program: The presenters , left to right: Ross Coulthart, Laurie Oakes, Helen Dalley and Jim Waley.
Channel Nine's "Sunday" Program: The presenters , left to right: Ross Coulthart, Laurie Oakes, Helen Dalley and Jim Waley.
Former prime minister Bob Hawke and journalist Laurie Oakes at the launch of Laurie's book at the National Press Club in Canberra in 1984.
Former prime minister Bob Hawke and journalist Laurie Oakes at the launch of Laurie's book at the National Press Club in Canberra in 1984.

Over the years, informants have slipped confidential documents to Laurie Oakes in motel rooms, the underground car park of the High Court, and the shore of Lake Burley Griffin at 2am. One source would ring, always at a late hour, and speak only in code. "The red duck flies at night," he'd say: Oakes' cue to hurry to their secret meeting spot.

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