Remembering Gough Whitlam

Whitlam was Prime Minister of Australia, from 1972 to 1975, before he was dismissed by Governor General Sir John Kerr in 1975 as a result of the Australian Constitutional Crisis in which supply was blocked by the Senate.  He is still the only Australian Prime Minister to have been outed in that manner.

As well as his controversial dismissal, he will be remembered for radical social changes, including abolishing university fees, setting up Medibank (the precursor to Medicare), changing the national anthem from God Save the Queen to Advance Australia Fair, recognising China and for advancing indigenous land rights.

Whitlam started life in Melbourne, but grew up here in Sydney on the North Shore and went to school at Knox Grammar School.

His wife Margaret, who he was married to for 70 years died before him in 2012, but Whitlam is survived by his four adult children.

Former host of Open House, Leigh Hatcher, was a 20 year old journalist at the dismissal.  He says Whitlam had a remarkable intelligence and a formidable presence.

AUDIO:  Journalist Leigh Hatcher shares his memories of Gough Whitlam’s dismissal. 

https://downloads.hopemedia.com.au/kr/kr_leighhatcherongoughwhitlam.mp3

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