Gough Whitlam

Edward Gough Whitlam (born 11 July 1916), Australian politician and 21st Prime Minister of Australia, was the only Australian Prime Minister to be dismissed by the Governor-General. Whitlam remains one of the most controversial figures in Australian political history.

Related Topics:
11 July - 1916 - Australia - Prime Minister of Australia - Governor-General

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His supporters praise his erudition and his reformist zeal, while his detractors view his government as chronically inept and unstable, and have criticsed him for his supposed arrogance, egotism and patrician manner. Despite this, fans and foes alike acknowledge his mastery of public speaking; he is famed for his rapier wit and is widely considered one of the leading parlimentary performers of his generation. The manner of his dismissal is something that still arouses intense passion and debate.

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Gough Whitlam (he has always been known by his middle name, pronounced Goff) was born in Kew, one of Melbourne's wealthier suburbs. His father, Fred Whitlam, was a federal public servant who served as Solicitor-General. Whitlam senior's involvement in human rights issues was a powerful influence on his son. Whitlam was educated at Sydney's Knox Grammar and at Canberra Grammar School, where he became friends with Francis James, later a prominent journalist.

Related Topics:
Kew - Melbourne - Sydney - Knox Grammar - Canberra Grammar School - Francis James

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Whitlam then studied law at the University of Sydney. During the Second World War he served as a navigator with the Royal Australian Air Force, reaching the rank of flight-lieutenant. He completed his studies after the war and was admitted to the New South Wales bar in 1947.

Related Topics:
University of Sydney - Second World War - Royal Australian Air Force - New South Wales

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In 1942 he married Margaret Dovey, daughter of Judge Bill Dovey, and had three sons and a daughter. Margaret Whitlam is known for having a sardonic wit equal to that of her husband and is a published author as well as a former champion swimmer. One of their sons, Nicholas Whitlam, became a prominent banker and a controversial figure in his own right. Another son, Tony Whitlam, was briefly a federal MP.

Related Topics:
Bill Dovey - Nicholas Whitlam - Tony Whitlam

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