Hawke convinced the Labor caucus to divide the ministry into two tiers, with only the most important Ministers attending regular cabinet meetings.
However, the Labor caucus was sceptical of his age and inexperience, and he failed to gain either position, albeit narrowly.
Corcoran became the face of the Dunstan ministry in its relationship with the Labor caucus, with his ability to use his strong manner to settle disputes.
Casey was readmitted to the Labor caucus in 1978.
In the run-up to the election, the Labor caucus had decided that should the party take power, all 27 ministers were to be Cabinet members.
He later became well known, and even attracted censure from the Labor caucus, for his public advocacy in support of the Palestinians.
Several ministers and members of the Labor caucus publicly stated ahead of time who they intended to support in the event of a ballot.
They insisted on pursuing deflationary policies and orthodox solutions to degrading Commonwealth budgetary position, arousing great opposition in the Labor caucus.
The Labor caucus elected Anna Bligh as its leader on 12 September.
At the meeting of Labor federal caucus on 2 December, Latham defeated Beazley by 47 votes to 45.