Gough whitlam autobiography template
Gough Whitlam
Constitutional crisis leading to Whitlam's dismissal
With a great interest in international affairs, Whitlam travelled more widely than any previous Prime Minister or opposition leader. Among his many overseas tours he visited most nations of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Pacific and North America.
Following a series of controversies involving Labor ministers and revelations of government attempts to obtain foreign loans through unconventional channels, the Liberal–National Country Party opposition refused to allow the government’s budgetary legislation to pass the Senate in 1975 in the hope of forcing the government to an election.
From October to November 1975, with the government’s monetary supply effectively cut off, a grave constitutional crisis resulted.
The crisis climaxed on 11 November 1975, when the Governor-General, John Kerr, withdrew Whitlam’s commission as Prime Minister, commissioned the Liberal leader Malcolm Fraser to form an interim government until a general election could be held, and dissolved the parliament.
Whitlam thus became the only prime minister in Australian history to have been removed from office while commanding the confidence of the lower house.
After perhaps the most bitter and divisive election campaign in Australian history, Malcolm Fraser’s Liberal–National Country Party coalition routed Labor at a general election on 13 December 1975, winning 56 per cent of the overall vote, 91 of the 127 House of Representatives seats, and 35 of the 64 Senate seats.
This resounding victory gave the coalition a record majority in the House of Representatives, and a six-seat majority in the Senate.
Gough Whitlam: His Time: The Biography, Volume II by Jenny Hocking
Biography
by Neal Blewett•
November 2012, no. 346
Gough Whitlam: His Time: The Biography, Volume II by Jenny Hocking
Miegunyah Press, $49.99 hb, 596 pp, 9780522857931
Biography
by Neal Blewett•
November 2012, no. 346
Jenny Hocking concluded the first volume of her Whitlam biography (2008) on the eve of her subject’s electoral victory in December 1972. Gough Whitlam had been the most effective and creative opposition leader in Australian history: since 1967 he had dragged a protesting Labor party into the second half of the twentieth century; provided the party with a contemporary social democratic agenda; broadened the appeal of the party beyond its historic working-class base; and seen off one Liberal prime minister, with another to follow. The challenge for Hocking in this second volume is to explain how this promise turned to dust and ashes within three years, with Whitlam’s dismissal by the governor-general, followed by electoral repudiation. Meticulous and thorough research, a broad understanding of both the personal and structural factors underlying his government’s failure, and a commanding narrative drive enable Hocking to meet the challenge. There is no better account of how the triumph of 1972 turned into the catastrophe of 1975.
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Neal Blewett has had a varied career as academic, politician, and diplomat. A Tasmanian Rhodes scholar, he taught successively at the Universities of Oxford and Adelaide and became Professor of Political Theory and Institutions at Flinders University. He has written books and articles on British and Australian history and politics. As Health Minister in the Hawke government he was responsible for the introduction of Medicare and Australia’s Aid .The Truth of the Matter
"The Truth of the Matter" by Gough Whitlam is an extraordinary testament to the life and legacy of one of Australia's most iconic political figures. Whitlam, with his characteristic wit, intellect, and candor, provides readers with an intimate and insightful account of his years in public service, offering a compelling narrative that is both engaging and historically significant.
Whitlam's memoir is a literary gem that takes readers on a journey through the highs and lows of his political career, offering a firsthand perspective on the tumultuous events that shaped Australia in the mid-20th century. His narrative style is refreshingly honest and reflective, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the challenges, triumphs, and complexities inherent in the realm of politics.
One of the standout features of "The Truth of the Matter" is Whitlam's ability to blend personal anecdotes with political analysis. His vivid storytelling transports readers into the heart of historic moments, making the book not only informative but also emotionally resonant. Through the pages of this memoir, Whitlam invites readers to witness the passion, vision, and unwavering commitment that fueled his pursuit of progressive policies and social change.
Furthermore, the memoir sheds light on Whitlam's unwavering dedication to the principles of social justice, equality, and diplomatic independence. His accounts of key policy initiatives, such as the implementation of universal healthcare and the recognition of China, showcase the transformative impact of his leadership on the Australian political landscape.
"The Truth of the Matter" is not merely a recounting of events; it is a powerful reflection on the nature of leadership, the complexities of governance, and the enduring values that guided Whitlam's political philosophy. Whitlam's narrative is not confined to self-praise; he acknowledges the challenges faced and the controversies that m