Gough Whitlam

About Gough Whitlam

Edward Gough Whitlam, a former Australian politician was born on 11 July 1916 in Kew. He was the eldest son of Martha and Fred Whitlam. Gough Whitlam, who led the Labor party from 1967 to 1977, was sworn in as the 21st Prime Minister of Australia on 5 December 1972. He held office until the Governor-General dismissed his government on 11th November 1975.

Early life and Education

Gough Whitlam’s schooling was at Telopea Park High School and Canberra Grammar School. He graduated in arts and law from University of Sydney. In 1941 he was selected to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Though he joined Australian Labor Party in 1945, he had to wait until 1952 to enter the federal parliament after his victory in the by-election winning the seat of Werriwa. He challenged Arthur Calwell and became Leader of the Opposition in 1967. He also served as the deputy leader of the federal parliamentary ALP. Gough Whitlam was a member of Independent Commission on International Humanitarian Issues and World Heritage Committee, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), University of Sydney Senate, Academy of Athens and Hanoi Architectural Heritage Foundation.

Gough Whitlam as Prime Minister

Under his leadership Labor party came to power after a long wait of more than two decades. He strengthened Australia through a wide variety of reform programs. His government was the first to get dismissed abruptly by the Governor-General.

Personal Life

Gough Whitlam married Margaret Whitlam on 22 April 1942. The couple had four children Antony, Nicholas, Stephen and Catherine. Margaret Whitlam, being an outspoken public speaker, broadcaster and columnist played a significant role in Gough Whitlam’s political as well as personal life.

Honours

The honours bestowed upon him are Queen’s Counsel (1962), Socialist International Plate of Honour (1976) and Companion of the Order of Australia (1978). He wrote two books- The Truth of the Matter and Abiding Interests. The second one discusses the crisis that led to the dismissal of his government. Several works came out about him and his books.

21st Prime Minister of Australia
In office	5 December 1972– 11 November 1975
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Governor General	Sir Paul Hasluck, Sir John Kerr
Deputy	Lance Barnard, Jim Cairns, Frank Crean
Preceded by	William McMahon
Succeeded by	Malcolm Fraser
Leader of the Opposition
In office	11 November 1975– 22 December 1977
Deputy	Frank Crean, Tom Uren
Preceded by	Malcolm Fraser
Succeeded by	Bill Hayden
In office	9 February 1967– 5 December 1972
Deputy	Lance Barnard
Preceded by	Arthur Calwell
Succeeded by	William McMahon
Leader of the Labor Party
In office	9 February 1967– 22 December 1977
Deputy	Lance Barnard, Jim Cairns, Frank Crean, Tom Uren
Preceded by	Arthur Calwell
Succeeded by	Bill Hayden
Minister for Foreign Affairs
In office	5 December 1972– 6 November 1973
Preceded by	Nigel Bowen
Succeeded by	Don Willesee
Member of the Australian Parliament for Werriwa
In office	29 November 1952– 31 July 1978
Preceded by	Bert Lazzarini
Succeeded by	John Kerin
Military service
Allegiance	Commonwealth of Australia
Service/branch	Royal Australian Air Force
Years of service	1941–1945
Rank	Flight Lieutenant
Unit	No. 13 Squadron RAAF
Battles/wars	World War II
Personal details
Born	Edward Gough Whitlam 11 July 1916 (age 97) Kew, Melbourne, Australia
Political party	Australian Labor Party
Spouse(s)	Margaret Whitlam
Children	Tony, Nicholas, Stephen, Catherine
Residence	Elizabeth Bay, NSW
Alma mater	University of Sydney
Profession	Barrister