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The election of the Whitlam government in 1972 marked a turning point in 20th century Australia. Shaking off the vestiges of two decades of conservative rule, Gough Whitlam brought new ideas, new policies and new people to the task of governing. Bursting with energy and expectation, the Labor government led a reform revolution in many areas, from education and health to the environment and foreign policy. But alongside the great achievements were great failures and, ultimately, great tragedy when the government was dismissed. Join Labor historian Frank Bongiorno in conversation with Troy Bramston in discussing the Whitlam Government’s program, how it was developed and implemented in power and what lessons can be learnt.
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