Gough Whitlam 1916 -2014
Australia was a very conservative place in the years after World War Two. Bob Menzies, a big 'L' Liberal (conservative for US readers) defeated Ben Chifley (Labor) in 1949 and managed to cling to power for the next seventeen years. His government was followed by a string of equally conservative governments, most of which weren't much better than the one we have now.
And then along came Gough.
Gough Whitlam came to power in 1972 and proceeded to enact the most sweeping reforms in the nation's history. In three years he managed to push through legislation which continues to affect Australians today.
Gough abolished the White Australia Policy and passed the Racial Discrimination Act, effectively laying the foundation for the multicultural Australia that we enjoy today.
His government made the contraceptive pill affordable and accessible, by removing the tax on contraceptives.
Implemented free higher education, making it possible for hundreds and thousands of Australians to be the first in their family able to go to university.
Legislated for no-fault divorce, so women could chose to leave an unhappy marriage without being financially burdened.
Helped Australia become more civilised and humanitarian in its law-making by abolishing both conscription and the death penalty.
Introduced Medicare (universal healthcare) for all Australians. Without this historic reform 1 in 5 Australians would be unable to afford basic access to GPs or hospitals.
He championed Aboriginal land rights by returning land to the Gurindiji people of the Northern Territory. He was also known for involving Australia’s Aboriginal people directly in policy making and establishing free Aboriginal legal services.
He reopened the equal pay case, championing the rights of women to work and be fairly compensated.
He was the first Western leader to visit China and make Australia’s relationship with Asia a priority. This decision and those which flowed from it have been responsible for much of Australia’s economic and trade prosperity in the years since.
Whitlam established the National Gallery in Canberra, doubled funding to the arts, introduced legislation to form the SBS, and created the Australia Council for the Arts.
Not a bad track record when you consider he only served three years as Prime Minister before being 'dismissed' by Australia's Governor General in what became the biggest scandal in Australia's' political history.
Gough's 1972 campaign was really simple 'It's time' was perfectly in tune with the mood of the Australian people who were desperate for change. You can read more about that campaign here.
It's Time by retrofitthefuture
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Here's the original TV ad in all it's cheesy glory and starring almost every Australian entertainer from the 60's and 70's - they don't make political ads like this anymore.
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