What did Gough Whitlam accomplish?

Whitlam, prime minister for fewer than three years between 1972 and 1975, pushed through a raft of reforms that radically changed Australia’s economic, legal and cultural landscape. The Whitlam government abolished the death penalty for federal crimes. Legal aid was established, with offices in each state capital.

Why was Gough Whitlam removed from PM?

The Governor-General decided that, as Whitlam could not secure supply, and would not resign or advise an election for the House of Representatives, he would have to sack him.

What did Gough Whitlam say to Vincent Lingiari?

At the ceremony, Whitlam poured a handful of soil slowly into Lingiari’s hands and said, ‘I put into your hands this piece of the earth itself as a sign that we restore them [lands] to you and your children forever’.

What is Section 64 of the Constitution?

64. Ministers of State. The Governor-General may appoint officers to administer such departments of State of the Commonwealth as the Governor-General in Council may establish. Such officers shall hold office during the pleasure of the Governor-General.

Did Whitlam bring in Medicare?

The scheme was created in 1975 by the Whitlam Government under the name “Medibank”. The Fraser Government made significant changes to it from 1976, including its abolition in late 1981. The Hawke Government reinstated universal health care in 1984 under the name “Medicare”.

Was Gough Whitlam the best Prime Minister?

Likewise, Humphrey McQueen considered Gough Whitlam to be both the fifth-best and the fourth-worst, describing him as a “curate’s egg”. Macintyre was the only respondent to award half-points, ranking Whitlam and Paul Keating as the equal fifth-best prime ministers.

Can Queen Elizabeth dissolve parliament?

The monarch could force the dissolution of Parliament through a refusal of royal assent; this would very likely lead to a government resigning.

What did the 1967 referendum achieve?

The 1967 Referendum was the most successful in our history winning 93 percent of votes cast. This empowered the national government to make laws in respect of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that could assist in addressing inequalities.

Was the Yirrkala bark petition successful?

The petition was successful, and the township still stands under that name today. The 1988 bark petition, known as the Barunga Statement called for self-determination, land rights, compensation and Indigenous rights.

What is Section 71 of the Constitution?

The judicial power of the Commonwealth is vested by Section 71 of the Australian Constitution, and through subsequent Commonwealth legislation, in the High Court, the Federal Court, the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Magistrates Court.

What is Section 61 of the Constitution?

Section 61 provides: The executive power of the Commonwealth is vested in the Queen and is exercisable by the Governor-General as the Queen’s representative, and extends to the execution and maintenance of this Constitution, and of the laws of the Commonwealth.