It wasn’t just Whitlam’s policy achievements that left a lasting impact on Australia, the matter in which his government ceased to be caused great turmoil, mixed opinions, anger and confusion following the Dismissal on Remembrance Day, 1975. The event impacted on Australian culturally, politically and socially due to the fact what happened had never happened before, nor is it likely that it will ever happen again. Before the press knew about what had happened, he informed his ministers and according to Environment Minister Moss Cass, they “sat there like stunned mullets” (Whitlam: Power and the Passion, 2013, Ep.2). Once the media was informed the sentiment of the ministers were shared by most of the general public. Quickly crowds began to
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Finally, Whitlam addressed his supporters and famously said: “Well may we say, God save the Queen, because nothing will save the Governor General” and “Malcolm Fraser will undoubtedly go down in Australian history, from Remembrance Day 1975 as Kerr’s Cur”. Whitlam pleaded with his supporters to “Maintain the rage and enthusiasm”. This lead to protest after protest and everyone seemed to have an opinion on the matter. Martin Collins believed the general view of the public at the time was that of “outrage and shock” at what was “the most defining moment ever in Australian political history”. Personally, he believed “it was an arrow to the heart of the democratic process”. Putting it simply, people were not happy with what happened as they believed that someone unelected by the people, the Governor- General should not have the power to dismiss a popularly elected Prime Minister. Overall, the Dismissal will go down as a defining moment in Australian history and was an event that everyone was talking about and continue to talk about right up to the present day, demonstrating the deep impact the event had on …show more content…
It is very clear, you either loved or hated Gough, but even his enemies have acknowledged we wouldn’t be where we are today without him. In fact, the very man who took his job, Malcolm Fraser befriended Gough following both their political careers and found they can agree on many issues. Following Gough’s passing Fraser said, “I valued my friendship with him. He always had an independent mind. He had his way of looking at things and he was a very important person in Australia’s life”. Showing how a political opponent not only befriended Whitlam, but even recognised his importance as an Australian. This feeling of importance was further reinforced following his death in 2013 when six former prime ministers from all sides of the spectrum, helped lead tributes to Whitlam. This highlights his history defining contributions to Australian life in numerous areas such as the arts, civil society and international stage. Governor General Peter Cosgrove said: “Whitlam was a towering leader of his time who made a significant contribution to the life of our nation and his legacy endures today” (Daily Telegraph, 22/10/14, p. 3) once again reinforcing the legacy and impact of the Whitlam government and of course of Gough Whitlam himself. It
Finally, Whitlam addressed his supporters and famously said: “Well may we say, God save the Queen, because nothing will save the Governor General” and “Malcolm Fraser will undoubtedly go down in Australian history, from Remembrance Day 1975 as Kerr’s Cur”. Whitlam pleaded with his supporters to “Maintain the rage and enthusiasm”. This lead to protest after protest and everyone seemed to have an opinion on the matter. Martin Collins believed the general view of the public at the time was that of “outrage and shock” at what was “the most defining moment ever in Australian political history”. Personally, he believed “it was an arrow to the heart of the democratic process”. Putting it simply, people were not happy with what happened as they believed that someone unelected by the people, the Governor- General should not have the power to dismiss a popularly elected Prime Minister. Overall, the Dismissal will go down as a defining moment in Australian history and was an event that everyone was talking about and continue to talk about right up to the present day, demonstrating the deep impact the event had on …show more content…
It is very clear, you either loved or hated Gough, but even his enemies have acknowledged we wouldn’t be where we are today without him. In fact, the very man who took his job, Malcolm Fraser befriended Gough following both their political careers and found they can agree on many issues. Following Gough’s passing Fraser said, “I valued my friendship with him. He always had an independent mind. He had his way of looking at things and he was a very important person in Australia’s life”. Showing how a political opponent not only befriended Whitlam, but even recognised his importance as an Australian. This feeling of importance was further reinforced following his death in 2013 when six former prime ministers from all sides of the spectrum, helped lead tributes to Whitlam. This highlights his history defining contributions to Australian life in numerous areas such as the arts, civil society and international stage. Governor General Peter Cosgrove said: “Whitlam was a towering leader of his time who made a significant contribution to the life of our nation and his legacy endures today” (Daily Telegraph, 22/10/14, p. 3) once again reinforcing the legacy and impact of the Whitlam government and of course of Gough Whitlam himself. It