UPDATE: Former Prime Minister John Howard has sharply criticized Gough Whitlam’s handling of the political crisis that led to his dismissal, calling it a “terrible mistake” as Australia marks 50 years since the historic event on November 11, 1975. Speaking from Old Parliament House, where he will be interviewed today, Howard reflects on the profound impact of Whitlam’s decisions that defined Australian politics for decades.
Whitlam was dismissed by Governor-General Sir John Kerr amid a budget deadlock that threatened to leave the country without funds for essential services. The crisis erupted when Liberal leader Malcolm Fraser refused to pass Whitlam’s budget, forcing Kerr to intervene. Howard, a junior member of the Fraser opposition at the time, asserts that Whitlam misjudged Kerr’s loyalty, saying, “He should have worked out for himself that Kerr might exercise the reserve power and dismiss him.”
The aftermath of Whitlam’s dismissal saw Australians head to the polls, resulting in a decisive victory for the coalition. Howard emphasizes that public sentiment had already turned against Whitlam long before his ousting, stating, “People didn’t vote according to their feelings about the dismissal.”
In a contrasting view, current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the dismissal as a “brutal political play” rather than a constitutional crisis. “Make no mistake: November 11, 1975, was not a constitutional crisis, it was a partisan political ambush,” he asserted during a speech on Monday evening at Old Parliament House. Albanese announced plans to erect a statue of Whitlam at the same location, celebrating his legacy and achievements as prime minister. “Australians will be able to stand with Gough, put an arm around the great man’s shoulders,” he stated.
Howard’s remarks and Albanese’s tribute highlight the continuing debate around Whitlam’s legacy and the political turmoil of the 1970s. Howard criticized Whitlam’s urgency to implement reforms after returning to power after more than two decades of opposition, arguing that it led to flawed policies such as increased spending and a larger public service.
As the nation reflects on this pivotal moment in its history, Howard’s insights remind Australians of the complexities and challenges of leadership. The discussions around Whitlam’s dismissal continue to resonate, shaping the political landscape even today.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
