The Whitlam Era

The Whitlam Government came to office on 2 December 1972 amid high expectations. For many, it marked a turning point in the nation's development. Although it was out of office within three years, its impacts have been more lasting. Especially prepared to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Whitlam Government's election, this volume, based on new sources of information and with the benefit of hindsight, reappraises its achievements, failures, and long-term impacts on Australian government, politics and policy. Contributors include leading academics, former senior public servants and Labor stalwarts. It brings fresh insights into this most talked about, but often misrepresented, government. CONTRIBUTORS Bob Carr - Foreword David Clune - Gough Whitlam and his Government: An Overview Malcolm Mackerras - Whitlam and Australian Voters Greg Melleuish - The Whitlam Narrative Andrew Podger and David Stanton - The Whitlam Government's Social Welfare Legacy Stephen Duckett - Your Medicare Card: Whitlam's Legacy in Everyone's Pocket Martha Kinsman and Linda Hort - Whitlam and Education Sev Ozdowski - Multiculturalism and Immigration Policy John Martin - Legacy and Lessons from the DURD Project Will Sanders - Aboriginal Affairs: Launching National Decolonisation from a Territory Base Gene Tunny - Whitlam and the Economy Gary Banks - A "Rattigan" Man: Whitlam's Assault on Protection Geoff Cockfield - Rural Policy David Lee - Minerals and Resources Policy Michael Easson - Promise and Influence of Whitlam's Foreign Policy Paddy Gourley - The Whitlam Government and the Public Service Jonathan Pincus - Federal-State Relations Michael Sexton - Confronting the Constitution: Law and Politics in the Whitlam Era Scott Prasser - Royal Commissions and Public Inquiries: Roles and Impacts Mary Easson - 1987: The Year Whitlam and Hawke Broke Frank Bongiorno - The Whitlam Legacy for the Fraser and Hawke Governments