Some of Gough's achievements in 3 short years. And most of them changed the country forever. Whatever your politics, he was a reformer and had great vision for Australians. After 23 years of a conservative government, many found the reforms too difficult and the rest, as they say, is history.
- Ended conscription during Vietnam War.
- Created new government departments including Aboriginal Affairs, Environment and amalgamation of armed forces into Defence.
- Aboriginal Land Fund Commission, Australian Legal Aid Office, National Employment and Training Scheme.
- The Health Insurance Act 1973 established 'Medibank', a national health scheme funded by levy which provided free public hospital treatment and medical benefits totalling at least 85 per cent of the cost of doctor and hospital services.
- The Trade Practices Act 1974 outlawed restrictive trade practices and ensured consumer protection and product and manufacturing liability.
- The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975 established a service to plan and manage national parks in line with international standards.
- The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 enabled Australia to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination.
- The Family Law Act 1975 replaced the existing grounds for divorce with a single ground, irretrievable breakdown of marriage (for example, having separated and lived apart for 12 months or more) and the extension of federal jurisdiction to maintenance, custody and property matters.
- Tertiary Education Act.
- Diplomatic Recognition of China
and got rid of the shameful white Australia policy once and for all and introduced the concept of a multicultural Australian society which became government policy for the first time. He also took a stand against apartheid in South Africa - the list of achievements is long and something we can all be very proud of. Did I mention medibank?
Gough Whitlam
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October 19, 1989: Whitlam wrote for the London Daily Telegraph - "The punters know that the horse named Morality rarely gets past the post, whereas the nag named Self-interest always runs a good race."
The Whitlam Government 1972-1975 by Gough Whitlam, published 1985: "A conservative government survives essentially by dampening expectations and subduing hopes. Conservatism is basically pessimistic, reformism is basically optimistic."
August 16, 1975: Whitlam formally handed the Gurindji people at Wattie Creek in the Northern Territory title deeds to part of their traditional lands, symbolically pouring red dust into the hands of an elder with the words "Vincent Lingiari, I solemnly hand to you these deeds as proof, in Australian law, that these lands belong to the Gurindji people and I put into your hands this piece of the earth itself as a sign that we restore them to you and your children forever". Lingiari replied "we are all mates now".
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/comment/obituaries/gough-whitlam-dead-his-memorable-quotes-20141021-1193jd.htm...
Gough treated the citizens of Australia as intelligent people who could assess the policies and situations and make up their own mind. That was one of his great legacies. He wasn't moralistic or paternalistic and didn't ever claim that he knew best. That's why he was so respected.
It is good to see partisanship from both sides at the moment. Pollies from both sides are acknowledging what he achieved. He wasn't perfect and he took risks for the betterment of the country and he can only be applauded for that.
