Gough Whitlam: His Time

Gough Whitlam: The Definitive Biography #2

by Jenny Hocking

Gough Whitlam, Australia's twenty-first prime minister, swept to power in December 1972, ending twenty-three years of conservative rule. In barely three years Whitlam's dramatic reform agenda would transform Australia. It was an ascendancy bitterly resented by some, never accepted by others, and ended with dismissal by the Governor-General just three years later—an outcome that polarised debate and left many believing the full story had not been told.
In this much-anticipated second volume of her biography of Gough Whitlam, Jenny Hocking has used previously unearthed archival material and extensive interviews with Gough Whitlam, his family, colleagues and foes, to bring the key players in these dramatic events to life.
The identity of the mysterious 'third man', who counselled the Governor-General, Sir John Kerr, in his decision to sack the twice-elected Whitlam government and appoint Malcolm Fraser as prime minister is confirmed here by Kerr himself, as the High Court justice Sir Anthony Mason, and the full story of his involvement is now revealed for the first time. From Kerr's private papers Hocking details months of secret meetings and conversations between Kerr and Mason in the lead-up to the dismissal, that had remained hidden for over thirty-seven years. In response to these revelations Sir Anthony Mason released an extensive public statement, acknowledging his role and disclosing additional information that is fully explored in this new edition.
This definitive biography takes us behind the political intrigue to reveal a devastated Whitlam and his personal struggle in the aftermath of the dismissal, the unfulfilled years that followed and his eventual political renewal as Australia's ambassador to UNESCO. It also tells, through the highs and the lows of his decades of public life, how Whitlam depended absolutely on the steadfast support of the love of his life, his wife, Margaret. For this is also the story of a remarkable marriage and an enduring partnership.
The truth of this tumultuous period in Australia's history is finally revealed in Gough Whitlam: His Time

Genres: Biography, Politics, Nonfiction, Australia, History

596 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Jenny Hocking FASSA is emeritus professor at Monash University and the inaugural distinguished Whitlam fellow with the Whitlam Institute at Western Sydney University. She is the author of three biographies, including the award-winning two-volume biography of Gough Whitlam, Gough Whitlam: A Moment in History (MUP, 2008) and Gough Whitlam: His Time (MUP, 2012). Her latest book is The Dismissal Dossier: The Palace Connection (MUP, 2017).

Reviews

[Martin Daenke]

Shocked and dismayed by the revelation in the last chapter that Gough Whitlam was completely dependent on his wife and couldn’t even cook his own meals.

[Karen Beath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my first political biographies and I really enjoyed it. I was born in the eighties so did not experience Gough Whitlam's time first hand. It was fascinating to discover the origins of some of the current institutions and services that I take for granted such as Medicare and the University of Western Sydney (which I attended as an undergrad). Whitlam was a reformer but had some definate flaws one of which was trusting people that should not have been trusted (such as Kerr).
The book was also a great insight into the messy world of politics and just how little power a leader can have even within his own party. It really is like a metaphorical game of thrones.
The sacking was also very interesting and got me thinking about some of the legalities and ethical behavior of High Court judges.
If I could change anything I'd like to read more about the economic situation at the time and the loans affair which allegedly prompted Whitlam's downfall. Aside from that however, it was very well written and researched.

[Benjamin Farr · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best political biographies I have ever read. Wonderful investigative journalism. Absolutely captivating! A great read!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, the 2nd volume of a comprehensive biography of Gough Whitlam, starts with the night of the elecition that brought the Labor Party back into goverment for the first time in 23 years and Gough Whitlam as the Prime Minister. And he moved quickly with the proposed reforms of the party platform that he helped create. While many of the reforms were strongly opposed by the opposition, Coalition parties, Gough said, “We have always been the party of principal, we ae now the party of power. I see no reason why, for years to come, we should not continue to be both.” Through meticulous research Ms Hocking has shown how the Whitlam governing years was obstructed by the opposition leader Malcolm Fraser, not only in the Seante, but how they increased their majority with the collosion of a couple of State Premiers when two Senate seats got vacated early by Labor Senators and not replaced as had been custom and precendence by someone of the same party. The obstuction continued with the unconstitutional collusion of Fraser with the Governor General, the Queen’s representative as official head of the Australian government to thwart the Whitlam program and eventually dismiss the government. In later years, it was shown this happened the day before another crucial vote in the Senate to approve supply of operating funds was to take place. Several years later, several opposition Senators revealed they had made it clear to Fraser that they intended to cross the floor on that vote in opposition to Fraser’s demands and pass the Supply bill. The 2nd half of the book details Gough’s many years of work with UNESCO, being chair and committee member at various times, including his scathing rebukes of Reagan’s USA and Thatcher’s UK descions to withdraw from international engagement and vital work UNESCO did, because they couldn’t control the ogranization, or as Gough was said to have quipped they decided to take their bat and ball home with them if they didn’t get their way. Later, Gough and his wife of almost 70 years started orgainzing travel tours concentrating on world heritage sites, museums, history, art, food and culture. These tours first were organized by Margaret, and later joined by Gough.
Overall, Australia enjoys much of the current benefits thanks to policies the Whitlam goverment were able to get passed in his brief 3 year tenure, but also in later goverments from the constant persistance of the Labor Party to keep them in their platform; reforms such as Indigenous land rights, equal pay and rights for Women (Gough apponted the first woman to head a department created to pursue these goals), the end of the White Australia policy, establishing an Australian National anthem, no fault divorce, lowering the voting age to 18, universal health insurance, national education funding, legal aid, the Racial Discrimination Act, and an indepedent foreign policy stance. The book also points out some of Gough’s flaws, such as being too trusting in the public service heads of the various departments to do their jobs as outlined by government policy. He was too trusting in the Governor General to be honest with him and not sneek behind his back to discuss issues with oppoistion politicians or Surpreme Court justices, which he was only supposed to do if a government minister ok’d such conversations. He also often ignored the advice of his cabinet and ministers which led to his downfall.

[Glen Cowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone not alive during the Whitlam government, I felt a sense of emotional presence at each of its junctures. Hocking paints a very complete picture of a man of amazing intellectual capacity and admirable idealism, but with serious questions of his personal judgement of others (John Kerr and Mark Latham come to mind) and a bullheaded nature that prevented reflection when it was required.
However, while it was dispiriting to read the passages concerning the dismissal and the cynicism, arrogance and elitism that drove it, it highlights a time when reform was not just a pipe dream. Was the Whitlam government without error? Far from it. There were times I read the book as someone who is sympathetic to Labor and groaned at some of the disorganisation involved. However, I never failed to be inspired by Gough’s vision for Australia. It is one that should endure and is writ throughout this magnificent book.
Highest possible recommendation!

[Gede · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite not having much prior knowledge of Australian politics, completing this biography was an enjoyable read because Hocking provides a holistic, credible narration not only of Whitlam's actions in government but also of the interrelated events surrounding it. I highly recommend this for any reader looking to become more informed of Australian politics because the events, such as the sheer amount of policies Whitlam put in place, the double dissolution and the 1975 dismissal, make the topic very interesting with Hocking's narration.

Overall, very good!

[Dr_Hales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really depressing to uncover just how badly Whitlam was treated by the establishment.
I don't think I'll ever be able to read a judgement of Mason CJ again without thinking of him as a disgusting and authoritarian piece of excrement with nothing but contempt for democracy and the people of Australia.
God the liberal party are just vile and deserve to be condemned to the dustbin of History.

[Rob Hamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating narration of Whitlam's government and notorious dismissal . Of course the interesting question is whether what happened then could happen again. Apparently not unless a wrecker politician arrives ....

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning writing, an artful blend of narrative and fact that was balanced perfectly to provide required context while still keeping the reader engaged.

[Frances Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
A thorough look at the Whitlam government and its dismissal in 1975.

[Fiona Ottley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good. I learned heaps about the dismissal. Malcolm Fraser was just awful, he has really turned himself around.