Paul Kelly Reflects on the Legacy of Whitlam and the Dismissal
The story of Australian politics would be incomplete without revisiting one of its most dramatic moments: the dismissal of the Whitlam government, which occurred fifty years ago on November 11, 1975. In the weeks leading up to that day, tensions were already high in Canberra, but no one could have anticipated just how momentous the events would become. On that day, Governor-General Sir John Kerr dismissed Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and appointed Malcolm Fraser as caretaker prime minister. What followed was a political earthquake: Fraser went on to lead the Coalition to a landslide victory in the ensuing election, while the controversy over Kerr’s actions has never fully faded.
Journalist Niki Savva, who was reporting from the parliamentary press gallery at the time, recalls the disbelief and shock that rippled through Canberra. She remembers going out for a casual lunch, only to return to the news that Whitlam had been sacked. Parking was near impossible, and the atmosphere around Parliament House was one of utter confusion and alarm. People were running, trying to piece together what had happened, but information was scarce. It was a day that felt almost surreal, with a sense of helplessness hanging over everyone present. David Solomon, Whitlam’s press secretary, describes the mood in the prime minister’s office as initially optimistic, expecting a routine resolution through a half-Senate election, only to have events completely turn upside down.
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Half a century later, both Savva and Solomon reflect on the dismissal with enduring passion. Savva remains outraged at Kerr’s decision, particularly at the lack of transparency and the deception involved. Solomon, too, has only grown more concerned over the years as more information has emerged about the correspondence with the Palace and advice from High Court judges, which was ignored. They agree that while the same powers exist today, the political psyche has been fundamentally altered; such an event is unlikely to be repeated.
The discussion extends beyond the historical drama to the contemporary political landscape. John Menadue, Whitlam’s secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, has consistently drawn lessons from those turbulent times. He emphasizes that the dismissal revealed the limits and failures of leadership across the highest institutions, including the Palace and the Governor-General’s office. These experiences shaped his later work in public policy commentary and journalism, insisting on the importance of accountability and principled leadership.
Menadue also reflects on how Whitlam’s approach to foreign policy and international law would contrast with today’s politics. From his skepticism of Australia’s close military alliances, particularly with the United States, to his nuanced understanding of complex issues like Israel and the Occupation, Whitlam’s positions were guided by principle, legal obligations, and a global outlook. Menadue argues that today’s political leadership often fails to uphold such standards, noting differences in diplomacy, engagement with the Global South, and resource diplomacy.
As the nation marks fifty years since that historic day, the dismissal remains more than a political memory. It serves as a cautionary tale, a reminder of the fragility of democratic processes, and a call to reflect on leadership, accountability, and the long shadow of history in shaping Australia’s present and future.
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