Whitlam government which came to power in 1972 was the first labor government in 20 years. With Whitlam’s proposed ‘it’s time for a change’ slogan Whitlam was able to win over the Australian public. However almost immediately after he was in office Labor was involved in a whirlwind of activity, controversy and change – taking his call for a’ change ‘excessively too far Labors first 18 days saw radical and immense changes which gave extra force to growing public fears and the oppositions growing irritation towards labor. Whitlam introduced a string of reforms and policies where he gave aboriginals land right’s and abolished the ‘white Australia policy’, Much to the fears of Australians Whitlam fulfilled in his first 100 days actions he promised to bring to Australia in the span of three years, as stated in his Nov. 13 1972 speech ‘’ I have tried tonight to give you in some detail a program for Australia under a Labor Government, a picture of what I believe Australia can become over the next three years ‘. Moreover labor was involved in a number of scandals such as the ‘gair affair ‘ , the overseas loan affair and Whitlam’s very own Affair with a Secretary – all to which contributed to the final dismissal of Gough Whitlam.
Whitlam’s speedy determinations to put his reforms into practice lead him to form a two-man cabinet, where he and L. Bernard single-handedly began to introduce policies. The labor government changed wages granted equal pay for woman; gave aboriginal land rights and introduced multiple welfare policies. Furthermore Whitlam terminated conscription, and finally scrapped the White Australia policy challenging previously held ideologies. The extensive reforms carried out by labor in a small amount of time produced anxiety amongst most Australians and the costly nature of the reforms set back the economy.
The oil crisis of 1973 further contributed to the growing struggles of labor. In 1973 Middle Eastern countries in response to the western support for Israel; declare the rise of prices on oil where petrol prices skyrocket; thus having an immediate effect on Australia as it did to the rest of the world - it caused a direct stagflation where a severe recession struck the Australian economy, this greatly contributed to the already plummeting popularity of Gough Whitlam.
In light of the recent events that weaken the popularity of labor; Whitlam is involved in a number of scandals. The Gair affair; involving Whitlam’s unpopular decision to allocate Gair a member of the labor parliament the honorable position of ‘The ambassador of Ireland’ only to get rid him. This as a result infuriated the opposition; where its leader Bill sneddens publicly denounces it as :‘’the most shameful act ever perpetrated by an Australian government’’ surely by now the people were convinced of Labors . Another significant scandal is the ‘Overseas loans affair’ – to raise funds for labors extensive reform projects Labor turned to the now oil-rich Middle Eastern countries (due to their increased prices for oil). Many questioned Whitlam’s motives in seeking loans from Strange ‘foreign countries’ rather than trusted white European and Americans. Sadly for labor, the loans were never obtained and the deal never came through – both scandals not only embarrassed the Labor party but further added to Whitlam’s already tarnished credibility as Prime minister.
Labor earned the frustration of the public and the opposition thus far , and is widely unpopular. Malcolm Fraser by now determined to force dissolution of Parliament requested the senate to refuse to pass the budget – In response to Whitlam’s history of ill-decisions the senate indefinitely refused to pass the budget – bringing a halt to Australian economy , as labor had no money to pay government workers such as teachers , public servants and so forth. Whitlam’s refusal to hold an election lead to the oppositions reaction to block supply, and the purpose of this was possibly a move by the opposition to force an election ‘The Senate blocking supply in 1975 not an attempt to raise objections to the budget but rather a move by the opposition to force an election’ ( M cooper ‘The Dismissal 25 years on’). With Whitlam’s refusal to hold the election, Fraser sought the help of John Kerr Gov. in General who then exercised his stated ‘’constitutional authority’’ by dismissing Whitlam and Appointing Malcolm Fraser as Caretaker Prime minister – hence marking the most traumatic political crisis in Australian History.
Gough Whitlam upon hearing the declaration of his dismissal, ending with 'God Save the Queen', gave an unrehearsed speech to onlookers; where he dubbed Malcolm Fraser as kerrs Cur, and continued "Ladies and gentlemen, well may we say 'God Save the Queen', because nothing will save the Governor-General." – Skillfully foretelling the national disapproval and disgust that was to come following the dismissal, and of that, he was certainly correct.