“There was neither precedent nor a valid pretext.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese primarily laments the diminishing acknowledgment of the “legitimacy of a Labor government,” which held a majority in the house.

Despite this, Governor-General Sir John Kerr utilized extraordinary reserve powers to dismiss Gough Whitlam, installing Malcolm Fraser, the Opposition leader, as the temporary prime minister.

Whitlam’s government, cherished by Labor supporters after what Albanese termed 23 years in the “political wilderness,” was marked by transformative initiatives. These included laying the foundations for Medicare, eliminating university fees and conscription, championing Indigenous Australians’ rights, and ending the White Australia Policy.

Malcolm Fraser, pictured here, assumed the role of Australia’s caretaker prime minister following the dismissal of Gough Whitlam’s administration by Sir John Kerr in 1975. Credit: National Archives of Australia: A6180, 13/11/75/41

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.

Malcolm Fraser (pictured) was appointed Australia’s caretaker prime minister after then-governor-general Sir John Kerr dismissed Gough Whitlam’s government in 1975. Credit: National Archives of Australia: A6180, 13/11/75/41

However, tough economic conditions, soaring inflation and several political scandals put the Labor government under the microscope, eroding public confidence.

Why is the moment debated?

A moment immortalised with a Whitlam statue, announced by Albanese on Monday.

The Gough Whitlam-led federal Labor government became the first (and only) government in Australian history to be dismissed by the governor-general. Credit: National Archives of Australia: A6180, 13/11/75/40

For some, the sacking of a democratically elected leader has been viewed as outrageous or worse, a betrayal.