SUBJECTS: Civics and Citizenship, History
YEARS: 9–10
On 11 November 1975, something happened that had never occurred before in Australia and has not happened since.
It was the sacking of an elected prime minister, and therefore also his government, by an unelected office-holder, the governor-general, who was appointed by the prime minister.
How could such a thing happen? Was it democratic? Think about it as you view this extract from the 1992 documentary 'Whitlam'.
Things to think about
- 1.In 1972, led by Edward Gough Whitlam, the Australian Labor Party achieved its first victory in federal elections in 23 years. The Whitlam government's achievements were significant. They included: universal health insurance; better funding for education; ending conscription; ending involvement in the Vietnam War; support for Indigenous land rights; and banning racial and sexual discrimination. So, how could Whitlam and Labor become very unpopular in just three years?
- 2.What words did Doug Anthony, the leader of the Country Party, use to describe the Whitlam government? Where was Whitlam's dismissal announced? Who was appointed prime minister until federal elections could be held? According to Whitlam's statement to his supporters, what great responsibility was in their hands? What was the result of the election of 13 December 1975?
- 3.Use the internet and other resources to find out what political and economic problems faced the Whitlam government and why its popularity declined. Look particularly at the role of the Opposition in the Senate. Then give your view on why Whitlam was not able to win power back in December 1975.
- 4.Many people believe that the Whitlam government did more for equality than any previous Australian government and that the dismissal was undemocratic. Yet a majority of Australians approved the dismissal by voting for the anti-Labor parties in December 1975. Democracy and egalitarianism (belief in equality) have been regarded as traditional Australian values. Discuss what you think the dismissal means for these values.
Acknowledgements
Courtesy of Lighthouse Films.
Date of broadcast: 1992
Copyright
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