The Whitlam Era: A Reappraisal of Government, Politics and Policy

The Whitlam Government came to office on 2 December 1972 amid high expectations.

For many, it marked a turning point in the nation's development. Although it was out of office within three years, its impacts have been more lasting. Especially prepared to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Whitlam Government's election, this volume, based on new sources of information and with the benefit of hindsight, reappraises its achievements, failures, and long-term impacts on Australian government, politics and policy. Contributors include leading academics, former senior public servants and Labor stalwarts. It brings fresh insights into this most talked about, but often misrepresented, government.

CONTRIBUTORS

Bob Carr - Foreword

David Clune - Gough Whitlam and his Government: An Overview

Malcolm Mackerras - Whitlam and Australian Voters

Greg Melleuish - The Whitlam Narrative

Andrew Podger and David Stanton - The Whitlam Government's Social Welfare Legacy

Stephen Duckett - Your Medicare Card: Whitlam's Legacy in Everyone's Pocket

Martha Kinsman and Linda Hort - Whitlam and Education

Sev Ozdowski - Multiculturalism and Immigration Policy

John Martin - Legacy and Lessons from the DURD Project

Will Sanders - Aboriginal Affairs: Launching National Decolonisation from a Territory Base

Gene Tunny - Whitlam and the Economy

Gary Banks - A "Rattigan" Man: Whitlam's Assault on Protection

Geoff Cockfield - Rural Policy

David Lee - Minerals and Resources Policy

Michael Easson - Promise and Influence of Whitlam's Foreign Policy

Paddy Gourley - The Whitlam Government and the Public Service

Jonathan Pincus - Federal-State Relations

Michael Sexton - Confronting the Constitution: Law and Politics in the Whitlam Era

Scott Prasser - Royal Commissions and Public Inquiries: Roles and Impacts

Mary Easson - 1987: The Year Whitlam and Hawke Broke

Frank Bongiorno - The Whitlam Legacy for the Fraser and Hawke Governments