Whitlam's Dismissal By The Governor General example essay topic

November 11th, 1975 The Dismissal of the Whitlam Government on November 11, 1975 was the most dramatic political event in the history of Australia's Federation. Edward Gough Whitlam's Labor government had been elected on December 2, 1972 and was the first Labor government in 23 years. Australia's Prime Minister for 16 years was Robert Menzies, whose Liberal Party governed in coalition with the Country Party. After Menzies' retirement in 1966, the government went into a steady decline until it was defeated by Whitlam. The new government was elected in a climate of great hope and optimism. It's demise a mere three years later at the hands of the Senate and the Governor-General is a fascinating political story that is still relevant to this day.

What Happened? A brief overview of what happened on November 11, 1975 and why it remains a significant event in Australian political history. Background To 1972 The Whitlam Government was the first Labor government for 23 years, since the defeat of Ben Chifley in 1949. It was elected at a time of growing disillusionment with the Vietnam War, a concern about Australia's place in the world and great social change. Gough Whitlam Whitlam was born in Melbourne in 1916. He grew up in Canberra and entered Parliament in 1952, becoming deputy leader of the ALP in 1961 and leader in 1967.

He won a 7% swing to his party in the 1969 election, rescuing it from the electoral disaster of 1966. His 1972 election was the result of a program of party reform, policy development and political salesmanship. The 'Program' he presented to the people in 1972 still stands as the most definitive statement of policies ever proposed at an election. Thirty years on, Whitlam is a Labor Party icon, the martyred leader. He continues to speak on public issues. Chronology The years 1972-1975 were a whirlwind of activity, controversy and change, culminating in the dramatic events of October 1975 when the coalition parties in the Senate used their numbers to delay passage of the government's Supply Bills.

A three-week constitutional impasse followed, culminating in Whitlam's dismissal by the Governor-General, Sir John Kerr, on November 11. Political & Constitutional Issues: The Key Questions The Dismissal raised a number of important constitutional, parliamentary and political issues, most of which remain unresolved to this day. Should the Senate have the right to block money bills? How should a government respond when this happens? Should the Governor-General intervene in conflicts between the houses?

When should the Governor-General intervene? Sir John Kerr The man appointed by Whitlam to the position of Governor-General in 1974 is variously portrayed as a man of principle, a deceiver, an insecure man desperate to make his mark on history, a drunk. Aftermath and Effects The Dismissal was the most traumatic and significant political event in the first one hundred years of the Australian federation, but constitutionally little was changed by it. Malcolm Fraser initiated a referendum in 1977 to ensure that the casual Senate vacancy rules could not be manipulated by State governments, but no other constitutional changes have occurred.

The most significant change is probably political. It is difficult now to imagine the Senate being able to repeat its 1975 performance. The question of an Australian republic was rekindled by the Dismissal, but this issue also remains unresolved. Dismissal Documents They " re all here: the letter of dismissal from Sir John Kerr, the advice tendered by the Chief Justice of the High Court, Sir Garfield Barwick, the proclamation dissolving Parliament, the letter from the Queen's Secretary, and others. Dismissal Sound Archive A rare collection of audio files from the Whitlam era, including recordings from the House of Representatives shortly after the Dismissal, the full version of the famous "Kerr's Cur" speech by Whitlam, the policy speeches given by Whitlam and Fraser, and much more. Dismissal Images A collection of pictures from the Whitlam era, including photographs taken on November 11, 1975.

Web Links A collection of web links relating to Whitlam and the Dismissal. Whitlam Speeches Gough Whitlam is now 86, but he remains an active contributor to the political debates in Australia. Alone among all of the nation's former leaders, he inspires a full measure of devotion. News The Dismissal still makes news and will continue to do so in the coming years, especially now that official Cabinet papers are released each year under the 30-year rule.