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In a candid discussion on ABC radio Tuesday morning, the speaker expressed empathy for Kerr, describing him as caught in the middle of two powerful and determined figures, each exhibiting ruthless behavior. “I don’t mean ‘ruthless’ in a negative way,” the speaker clarified.
Reflecting on the historical incident, former Prime Minister John Howard highlighted the resilience and functionality of Australia’s constitution. He emphasized that it ultimately ensures the Australian people have the power to shape the nation’s future.
Malcolm Fraser was photographed leaving Parliament House following the dissolution of Parliament on November 11, 1975. This image is credited to the National Archives of Australia: A6180, 13/11/75/41.
In a powerful speech the night before, Anthony Albanese described the dismissal as a “partisan political ambush,” underscoring the contentious nature of the historical event.
The previous evening, in a fiery speech, Albanese called the dismissal a “partisan political ambush”.
Gough Whitlam outside Parliament House on 11 November 1975, hours after being dismissed by then governor-general Sir John Kerr. Credit: National Archives of Australia: A6180, 13/11/75/40
“The dismissal was a calculated plot, hatched by conservative forces which sacrificed conventions and institutions in the pursuit of power,” he said.
Whitlam’s agenda, celebrated by Labor faithful after what Albanese described as 23 years in “political wilderness”, included reforms such as establishing the precursor to Medicare, abolishing university fees and conscription, advocating for the rights of Indigenous Australians, and abolishing the White Australia Policy.
