0
After Edward 'Gough' Whitlam was elected as Prime Minister in 1972, the Whitlam government embarked on a massive legislative social reform program which was forward-thinking and progressive in many ways. Whilst initially popular, the fast pace of reform caused concern within the economy, which was beset by high inflation combined with economic stagnation.
These conditions were the catalyst to the Australian constitutional crisis of 1975. 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, 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. 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.
What else can I help you with?
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.
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.
How long was Edward Gough Whitlam a Prime Minister?
Whitlam was Prime Minister of Australia for three years until his dimissal (Kerr) and the 1975 election. The correct answer, i believe, is that he was 6' 2". He may now be a little shorter in his old age.
When did Malcolm Fraser become Prime Minister of Australia?
Malcolm Fraser became the caretaker Prime Minister on November 11, 1975 when Gough Whitlam was sacked by the Governor General John Kerr. Fraser became the actual Prime Minister following the December 13 election.
Why was Gough Whitlam sacked?
This is an argument that could go on forever, but essentially, the Whitlam government lost control of the Senate and was subsequently unable to the get the "Budget" passed by the Senate. This resulted in a government with no operating capital with which to run the country. Since the elected government was unable to govern, the Governor-General "sacked" the Whitlam government on the 11th of November, 1975, and replaced them with a "Caretaker" government led by Malcolm Fraser. This was an extremely controversial action for a number of reasons, 1. that a non-elected government was running the country, and 2. that the course of action taken by the Governor-General was not enshrined in any legislation. There was a TV Mini Series produced in 1983 called "The Dismissal" which documents the events of this tumultuous period of Australian history. Malcom Fraser was blocking Gough Whitlams' wages bill to pay all the teachers, public servants etc. This is not to say that Malcom Fraser is not a nice person, but this was a political move. Gough Whitlam then suggested that they borrow money from the banks. Then the Governor General, who was biased towards the Opposition (Malcom Fraser and the Liberals) then sacked Gough Whitlam and his government, and appointed Malcom Fraser as caretaker prime minister. This was not the only reason that Gough Whitlam was sacked, other reasons include his ministers borrowing money from Middle Eastern governments.
Who dismissed the whitlam government in 1975?
The Governer General (Whom which was elected goverener general by Whitlam) Sir John Kerr
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 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
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.
Is Australia's federal government accountable to anyone?
Although the Governor-General rarely interferes, as the representative of the Crown, (s)he has the power to dissolve Parliament or dismiss the Prime Minister. An example of this is when Governor-General Sir John Kerr dismissed Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in the constitutional crisis of 1975.
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.
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.
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.
Would you have made the same decsion as John Kerr in dismissing Whitlam?
Push comes to shove yes, it was unconventional, however the ability to maintain supply and hence keep the country running is too vital.
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.
When was John Graham Kerr born?
John Graham Kerr was born in 1869.
How long was Edward Gough Whitlam a Prime Minister?
Whitlam was Prime Minister of Australia for three years until his dimissal (Kerr) and the 1975 election. The correct answer, i believe, is that he was 6' 2". He may now be a little shorter in his old age.
