The 1975 Whitlam Government dismissal

Опубликовано: 23 Июль 2026
на канале: Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

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On 11 November 1975, for the first time in Australian history, the governor-general dismissed a prime minister and government. Gough Whitlam stood on the steps of Parliament House and uttered the now famous line, 'Well may we say, "God save the Queen", because nothing will save the Governor-General'.

Australians still debate the rights and wrongs of Governor-General John Kerr’s decision, and the crisis remains one of Australia’s most significant political events.

Additional footage supplied by Network Ten/10X Media Group and the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.

Additional photography, National Archives of Australia

Learn more at www.moadoph.gov.au