Gough Whitlam
Gough Whitlam: A Life of Vision and Leadership
Full Name and Common Aliases
Edward Gough Whitlam was commonly known as Gough Whitlam to the public.
Birth and Death Dates
Gough Whitlam was born on July 11, 1916, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He passed away on October 21, 2014, at the age of 98.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Whitlam's nationality was Australian, and his profession was primarily that of a politician, with significant stints as lawyer and judge advocate during World War II.
Early Life and Background
Gough Whitlam came from a working-class family. His father, Frederick Walter Whitlam, was an accountant who later became the city coroner for Melbourne. The young Gough grew up surrounded by politics, with his uncle, Herbert Evatt, serving as a prominent figure in Australian Labor Party politics.
Whitlam's early academic achievements were impressive; he won a scholarship to Melbourne Grammar School and later attended the University of Sydney, where he studied law. His strong sense of social justice was evident from an early age and became a defining characteristic throughout his life and career.
Major Accomplishments
As a politician, Whitlam achieved numerous milestones:
- Prime Minister: In 1972, Gough Whitlam led the Australian Labor Party to victory in federal elections, becoming Australia's 21st Prime Minister. His government implemented several significant policies, including free university education and universal healthcare.
- Landmark Legislation: The Whitlam Government introduced several landmark pieces of legislation, such as the Racial Discrimination Act (1975) and the Family Law Act (1975). These acts aimed to address discrimination based on race and to reform family law in Australia.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works and actions associated with Gough Whitlam include:
- War Crimes Trials: As a judge advocate during World War II, Whitlam played a crucial role in the prosecution of Japanese war crimes.
- Leadership: Throughout his political career, Whitlam demonstrated strong leadership skills. He was known for his ability to articulate complex issues and present them in an engaging manner.
Impact and Legacy
Gough Whitlam's impact on Australian society extends far beyond his time as Prime Minister:
Social Reforms: His policies aimed at reducing social inequality had a lasting effect, shaping Australia into the more inclusive society it is today.
Leadership: Whitlam set a high standard for future leaders by standing up for what he believed in, even when faced with opposition.
Quotes by Gough Whitlam
Gough Whitlam's insights on:
A conservative government survives essentially by dampening expectations and subduing hopes. Conservatism is basically pessimistic; reformism is basically optimistic.
Hostility towards China distorted Australia’s international affairs for 20 years until 1972, but reconciliation with China 30 years ago had produced a quarter century of constructive bipartisan relations with our region and the world, unmatched in Australian history.
Conscription is an impediment to achieving the forces Australia needs. It is an alibi for failing to give proper conditions to regular soldiers. We will abolish conscription forthwith. By abolishing it, Australia will achieve a better army, a better-paid army – and a better, united society.
I’ve never said I’m immortal. I do believe in correct language. I’m eternal; I’m not immortal.
Poverty is a national waste as well as individual waste. We are all diminished when any of us are denied proper education. The nation is the poorer – a poorer economy, a poorer civilization, because of this human and national waste.
Australia’s treatment of her Aboriginal people will be the thing on which the world will judge Australia and Australians – Not just now, but in the greater perspective of history.
Well may we say 'God save the Queen', because nothing will save the Governor-General'.
Australia's treatment of her Aboriginal people will be the thing on which the world will judge Australia and Australians - Not just now, but in the greater perspective of history.
![When Sir Winton Turnbull [who represented a large rural seat] was raving and ranting on the adjournment and shouted: “I am a Country member”. I interjected “I remember”. He could not understand why, for the first time in all the years he had been speaking in the House, there was instant and loud applause from both sides.](/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Flakl0ama8n6qbptj.public.blob.vercel-storage.com%2Fquotes%2Fquote-2718540.png&w=1536&q=100)
When Sir Winton Turnbull [who represented a large rural seat] was raving and ranting on the adjournment and shouted: “I am a Country member”. I interjected “I remember”. He could not understand why, for the first time in all the years he had been speaking in the House, there was instant and loud applause from both sides.