Some Effects and Interpretations of the Whitlam Dismissal
Between 1972-75, Whitlam often referred to a "born-to-rule"
mentality amongst the Liberals. He claimed that they could not
accept defeat after having become so used to being in Government.
During this time, the Senate rejected over 30 major pieces of
legislation and forced hundreds of amendments to other bills.
Because of the alteration of the numbers in the Senate, Whitlam
argued that the Senate was "tainted" and did not reflect
the feelings of the people as expressed in the 1974 election.
When he was dismissed and Fraser appointed, Whitlam remarked
that this was "the first time the burglar has been appointed
caretaker."
Beyond the legal and constitutional questions about the powers
of the Senate and the Governor-General, many Labor supporters
felt that their government had been cheated of office by a conspiracy
of Opposition, business and media interests. It was felt by some
that the "establishment" would never allow a Labor Government
to govern.
For Malcolm Fraser, many Liberals now agree that his government
lacked "legitimacy", despite the massive victory it
had in the elections held in December 1975.
It is also argued that the subsequent Labor Government, led by
Bob Hawke, was so frightened of repeating the mistakes of Whitlam
which led to the dismissal that it became one of the most conservative
Labor Governments in our history. It is certainly true of the early years of that government that Whitlam's name was evoked as something to be feared, whereas in recent times Whitlam has assumed a more iconic status in the Labor Party.
Constitutionally, there has been no change to the powers of the Senate or the Governor-General since 1975. A referendum sponsored by Fraser, and supported by Whitlam's Labor Party, requiring State Parliaments to appoint senators from the same party to casual vacancies, was carried in 1977, as was a referendum requiring High Court judges to retire at 70.
Politically, the Australian Democrats, who have controlled the balance of power in the Senate for most of the period since 1981, are committed to not blocking Supply.
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