I was 13 years old for Goughs 1972 Its time election campaign. I was living in Morwell. I went with my parents to a Town Hall election meeting in Warrigul, 50kms away. I met Gough and shook his hand. He seemed like a giant. The thing I remember the most was the way Gough Whitlam and the shadow cabinet entered the hall. The people were cheering and clapping because they knew that there was a real chance of a new government and a better future. For young people in Morwell it meant that they could go to University, something previously out of reach. For women, it was the independence granted by the single parents benefit. Women could leave damaging and often violent relationships. Health care was unaffordable for many in my town, but with Goughs Medicare we could see a doctor. It meant that for the young men in my town, they would be safe from the threat of being sent to the Vietnam war. I have huge respect for Gough and for what he did for Australia. Its a pity the Labor Party has lost its way and thats why I am a member of the Greens. Its actually with the Greens that I can continue with Goughs vision for Australia.
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 00:12:12 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015