Was the Dismissal of Gough Whitlam the Will of the People?

The events that took place during the time the Whitlam Government was in office (1972-1975) were some of the most constitutionally challenging and controversial that Australian Politics had ever seen before, or since. After 23 years of Liberal Government, the people voted Labor and saw a massive change in policy, which was almost immediate. The Whitlam Government suffered a block in supply in 1974 and was re-elected after the resulting double dissolution. The Opposition then blocked supply again in 1975 but the Whitlam Government refused to advise a double dissolution or resign. Governor-General Sir John Kerr dismissed the Whitlam Government and forced them to an election. The propriety of these events are still being debated. But was it the will of the people?

Labor Prime Minister Gough Whitlam’s first 100 days in office saw more radical changes then would be seen in almost 100 years of previous Governments. The Whitlam government ended conscription and ordered the last Au...