The year was 1991. Bob Hawke was prime minister, Bryan Adams ruled the music charts, ties were wide and the fad for old-timer-style glasses had not yet been co-opted by hipsters.

Media mogul Kerry Packer was also in the spotlight for the tax practices of his company, Australian Consolidated Press. MPs could hardly contain themselves when they finally managed to get him to appear before a parliamentary committee.

The thrill is known to any wannabe political player, a heady mix of adrenalin tinged with excitement that the only person who can tell you what you need to know is to sit before you.