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What part did Sir John Kerr play in the dismissal of the Whitlam Government and why?
The Whitlam government, the first ALP government since 1946, embarked on a massive legislative social reform program which was forward-thinking and progressive in many ways, but required huge levels of government expenditure. In 1974, Whitlam appointed Sir John Kerr, Chief Justice of New South Wales, as the Governor-General of Australia. By 1975 the office of Governor-General had come to be regarded by many as ceremonial and politically unimportant. However, the Governor-General's powers were very clearly put to the test. Whilst initially popular, the fast pace of Whitlam's reforms engendered caution amongst the electorate, and the economy was beset by high inflation combined with economic stagnation. The opposition Liberal-National Country Party coalition held a majority in the Senate, the upper house of Parliament. In an unprecedented move, the Senate deferred voting on bills that appropriated funds for government expenditure, attempting to force the Prime Minister to dissolve the House of Representatives and call an election. The Whitlam government ignored the warnings and sought alternative means of appropriating the funds it needed to repay huge debts. With Whitlam unable to secure the necessary funds, Governor-General Sir John Kerr dismissed Whitlam as Prime Minister on 11 November 1975, and appointed Liberal opposition leader Malcolm Fraser as caretaker Prime Minister. This was done on the condition that Fraser would seek a dissolution of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, thus precipitating a general election. (source: today.wmit.net - July 11)
What else can I help you with?
What was the role of John Kerr in the dismissal of the Whitlam Government?
To help you discover the answer, see the Web Links to the left.
Who dismissed the whitlam government in 1975?
The Governer General (Whom which was elected goverener general by Whitlam) Sir John Kerr
Who replaced Gough Whitlam?
Gough Whitlam was replaced by Malcolm Fraser, who became the Prime Minister of Australia after the dismissal of Whitlam's government by Governor-General John Kerr on November 11, 1975. Fraser, the leader of the Liberal Party, then led a caretaker government until the subsequent federal election in 1975, which resulted in a decisive victory for his party.
Who was sir john kerr and what role did he play in the dismissal?
Sir John kerr was the 18th Governor general of Australia who was selected by Edward Gough Whitlam! On the 11th November (Rememberance Day) 1975, Sir John Kerr made Australian history when he dismissed Edward Gough Whitlam (Australian Prime Minister 1972-1975) of his role and duty as P.M of Australia on the Parliament steps. Edward Gough Whitlam belonged to the Labor party. vguthjgniygfjkhlgvjkhnghvbniulkhgvhbnul this is a crap web site
What Australian pm got fired?
Depends how you define 'fired' The most famous case was the Whitlam dismissal in 1975 when the Governor General, Sir John Kerr dismissed the Whitlam government and installed the opposition as caretaker government. Hughes, Menzies, Gorton, Hawke and Rudd were removed as Prime Minister through a party room vote (as the leader of the party in government becomes the PM, the party can change it without election)
How long was Malcolm Fraser prime minister?
Malcolm Fraser was Prime Minister of Australia from 11 November 1975 (following Governor-General Sir John Kerr's dismissal of Whitlam's Labor government) until 5 March 1983. This equates to around 7 years and 4 months.
What was Gough Whitlam's famous speech?
The main parts of Whitlam's 'God Save the Queen' speech can be seen on the web link to the left. Also, you can listen to it at the second link, 'Whitlam Dismissal - Sound and Video Archives'. On the web link page, scroll down to the 'Whitlam's Kerr's Cur' line. There is a lot of other information there as well.
Was Kerr right to dismiss Whitlam government?
This is a very subjective question. To Whitlam's supporters, Kerr did the wrong thing. Australia enjoyed a time of enormous external wealth during the Whitlam era, with massive reforms. Whilst initially popular, the fast pace of Whitlam's reforms engendered caution amongst the electorate, and the economy was beset by high inflation combined with economic stagnation. In an unprecedented move, the Senate deferred voting on bills that appropriated funds for government expenditure, attempting to force the Prime Minister to dissolve the House of Representatives and call an election. The Whitlam government ignored the warnings and sought alternative means of appropriating the funds it needed to repay huge debts. With Whitlam unable to secure the necessary funds, Governor-General Sir John Kerr dismissed Whitlam as Prime Minister on 11 November 1975. Many economists believe that, had Australia continued down the path that Whitlam started, the nation would have been weighed down by years of debt. So for that reason, many would argue that Kerr made the right decision.
When was Gough Whitlam appointed Prime Minister?
Gough Whitlam was dismissed on 11 November 1975 by Sir John Kerr (Governor General).At about 1pm on 11 November 1975 ( Remembrance Day) the governor-general, Sir John Kerr, sacked the Whitlam government.11 November 1975The Australian federal government, formed by the Australian Labor Party (ALP), with Gough Whitlam as prime minister, was dismissed by the Governor-General of Australia, John Kerr, on 11 November 1975.The Governor-General appointed the leader of the Opposition, Malcolm Fraser, to head a caretaker government.On 13 December 1975 a federal election returned a new government, formed from a coalition of the Liberal Party of Australia and the National Country Party, with Malcolm Fraser as prime minister.
Who was involved in the 1975 Australian constitutional crisis?
The main players in the 1975 constitutional crisis were the Australian Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, and the Governor General, Sir John Kerr. Due to mismanagement of funds, the Governor-General, Sir John Kerr, dismissed Whitlam as Prime Minister on 11 November 1975, and appointed Liberal opposition leader Malcolm Fraser as caretaker Prime Minister.
What has the author John Kerr written?
John Kerr has written: 'Matters for judgment' -- subject(s): Biography, Politics and government, Constitutional history, Judges, Governors
What decisions have the the governor generals made?
By convention, the Governor General acts on the advice of the Prime Minister, on very rare occasion the Governor General will act outside the advice. One such incident occurred in 1975 when the then Governor General, Sir John Kerr, dismissed the government led by Whitlam.
