It was reported in The Canberra Times, the two were paving the way to announce then foreign minister, Bill Hayden, would be taking up the role.

"By astutely avoiding any confirmation that such an announcement would be made, they also avoided denying that it was likely," the story read.

"It appears to be a ploy designed to excite media speculation, thus subtly and skillfully preparing the public for something that will seem inevitable when it occurs."

"Mr Hayden certainly appeared to be embracing the ploy when he spoke on the Nine network's Sunday program yesterday, hinting that he was planning to retire from politics, and 'taking up' the role of Governor-General," the article read.

Mr Hayden said the next election would arrive at around the time of his 60^th birthday, which he said was "a ceiling for members or parliament" that in political life circumstances "were always fluid".

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/11012965