The Whitlam Legacy

The election of the Whitlam government in 1972 marked a turning point in 20th century Australia. Shaking off the vestiges of two decades of conservative rule, Gough Whitlam brought new ideas, new policies and new people to the task of governing.Bursting with energy and expectation, the Labor government led a reform revolution in many areas, from education and health to the environment and foreign policy. But alongside the great achievements were great failures and, ultimately, tragedy when the government was dismissed.For the first time, Gough Whitlam, ministers, advisers, public servants, party and union insiders provide a unique account of this turbulent period in Australian politics. The candid views of insiders are balanced with analysis from journalists and academics. They reveal what worked and what didn't, and shed light on the personalities driving the engines of change.It includes Whitlam's "valedictory" message to the nation - his last public statement before his death in 2014. This revised edition includes a new preface by the editor, Troy Bramston, reflecting on Whitlam's death, his final years and two decades of conversations with him.The book also includes new research and previously unpublished photos and archival documents. The Whitlam Legacy provides the definitive account of the government that changed Australia forever. * Click here for information about The Whitlam Legacy 2013 with DUST JACKET __________________________________________________The Whitlam Legacy in the Paper...Gough's first day: let the fight begin Read full article...A PM with his gaze firmly on the future Read full article...What the mandarins made of Gough Whitlam's government Read full article...