Edward Gough Whitlam AC QC (1916–2014) was born in Melbourne, educated in Canberra and Sydney, and admitted to the Bar after war service with the RAAF. He won the Federal seat of Werriwa in 1952, was deputy leader of the ALP from 1960 to 1967, and was then its leader until the end of 1977, a record term for the party. Having campaigned with the slogan ‘It’s Time’, Whitlam was elected prime minister in December 1972, instituting a number of major social reforms before his Labor government was dismissed in November 1975. Whitlam called on the people of Australia to 'maintain your rage and enthusiasm' against the dismissal and for the coming election campaign, but Labor was comprehensively defeated at the election in mid-December 1975. Whitlam was succeeded as ALP leader by Bill Hayden following the party’s defeat in the 1977 election. Whitlam retired from politics in 1978.
Gift of Enid Hawkins 2003. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.
© Enid Hawkins (nee Hinder)
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