RIP Gough Whitlam.... You changed Australia’s political history by sweeping away 23 years of conservative government and making ‘It’s Time’ part of our lexicon. Your energy and enthusiasm, aimed at targets higher than personal success or vindication, have changed this country for the better and you leave behind a lasting legacy: Universal healthcare; needs-based schools funding; the reorientation of Australias foreign policy, including recognising China; lowering the voting age to 18; introducing territory senators; one-vote one-value electoral laws; abolition of the death penalty; no-fault divorce; legal aid; and abolishing the last vestiges of the White Australia policy. Others highlights include the complete withdrawal of forces from Vietnam, the abolition of conscription and the freeing of conscientious objectors, the introduction of a new honours system, a new national anthem, the encouragement given to the arts, sewering the suburbs and improving the position of women and our indigenous population. All this and still managing to abolishing tariffs and subsidies and introduce the Trade Practices Act; important economic reforms that helped to make our economy competitive. Its with a heavy heart I say fare thee well to a an iconic of Australia’s political landscape and a personal hero. B
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 00:17:21 +0000
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