Dismissal Sound & Video Archives

1972 Election

• "It's Time" - 1972 ALP Campaign Theme - this song is probably the most famous political jingle ever in Australia.

• "It's Time" Video - this video version of the "It's Time" song contains a cavalcade of Australia's most prominent actors, singers and other artists from the time.

• Snedden, McMahon, Whitlam and Gair
  This 22-minute compilation of radio segments broadcast on the ABC's "PM" program on November 27, 28 & 29, 1972, contains
  • the then Liberal Treasurer, Bill Snedden, commenting on the election of Norman Kirk's Labor government in New Zealand, and avoiding leadership questions and criticisms McMahon had made of his Cabinet. Snedden became the Liberal leader after the election.
  • Prime Minister William McMahon's visit to Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds, in Melbourne. It includes some classic vox pops with locals.
  • Gough Whitlam addressing the National Press Club, discussing a range of issues, including his views on the voting system.
  • The Democratic Labor Party leader, Senator Vince Gair, addressing the National Press Club. Of particular interest are his comments on issues of morality and "pollution of the mind".
  • Whitlam's final interview three days before the election.

• Whitlam's Address To the Nation - 20 December 1972 - This nationally televised address to the nation was delivered by Whitlam one day after the full ministry was sworn into office. Between December 5-19, Whitlam and his deputy, Lance Barnard, had governed as a two-man cabinet.

Government

• Historic Joint Sitting - 6 August 1974 - Following the 1974 election, the Senate continued to oppose Whitlam's double dissolution bills. This is part of the debate on the Electoral Reform bills from the Joint Sitting. There is a second extract here.

• Whitlam comments on his government's program - 1 September 1974 - These comments were made after Whitlam's re-election in May 1974 and following the first-ever Joint Sitting of the House of Representatives and Senate which passed 5 double dissolution bills rejected by the coalition opposition.

• Whitlam's speech on the Loans Affair - 9 July 1975 - Whitlam recalled the House of Representatives for a one-day sitting to discuss the overseas loans affair.
  • Opposition Leader Fraser's speech.
  • Minerals and Energy Minister Rex Connor's speech.

Constitutional Crisis

• Malcolm Fraser announces the coalition will block Supply - October 15, 1975 - This was the beginning of the constitutional crisis. Fraser's announcement came on the day that nearly all of the nation's newspapers called on the government to resign.

• Whitlam Stands Firm - October 15, 1975 - Whitlam made a nationally televised address to the nation, condemning the Opposition's stand and describing the Senate as "tainted".

• 'AM' - October 16, 1975 - The reaction to the planned blocking of Supply and predictions about the outcome of the looming crisis.

• Malcolm Fraser offers a compromise - 3 November 1975 - Nearly three weeks into the 1975 constitutional crisis, the pressure was building on the Opposition to pass the budget bills. In this announcement, Fraser offers to pass the bills provided an election is called by May 1976.

• Whitlam moves no-confidence in Fraser - 3pm, 11 November 1975 - Following his dismissal by the Governor-General, Sir John Kerr, at around 1.00pm on Tuesday 11 November, Whitlam returned to the House of Representatives and listened as Fraser announced that he was now Prime Minister. This no-confidence motion against Fraser was carried by the House.

• Radio Coverage 3-4pm, 11 Nov 1975 - It was unusual in 1975 for live broadcasts to take place. This recording of the ABC's radio coverage represents an unique moment in broadcasting history as regular programming was pushed aside in favour of coverage of the dismissal.

• Radio Coverage 4-5pm, 11 Nov 1975 - As the crisis unfolded, it is interesting to hear the reactions from political figures of the time, including the President of the ACTU, Bob Hawke, and the Federal Treasurer, Bill Hayden. Both men went on to lead the Labor Party. Hayden became Governor-General in 1989.

• 3DB Radio News - 5pm, 11 November 1975 - Commercial radio also reported the Dismissal without any of the quality of the ABC's broadcasts. 3DB operated in Melbourne on the 1026 frequency, now used by the ABC's Parliamentary News Network.

• Well May We Say God Save The Queen - "...because nothing will save the Governor-General." This is a video clip of Whitlam's famous words, during the speech where he also described Fraser as "Kerr's Cur" and urged his supporters to "maintain the rage and enthusiasm".

• Whitlam's "Kerr's Cur" Speech - 11 November 1975 - This radio clip is the first-ever broadcast of Whitlam's famous speech condemning the Governor-General.

• ABC Radio "AM" - 12 November 1975 - "AM" is now in its fifth decade on air. It's coverage the morning after the Dismissal is a radio classic.

Election Campaign

• Whitlam's Policy Speech - November 24, 1975 - This speech was delivered at Melbourne's Festival Hall and televised nationally.
  • The crowd chants We Want Gough.
  • Whitlam's Opening words.

• Fraser's Policy Speech - November 26, 1975 - The caretaker Prime Minister's speech complete with interjectors.

• Anthony's Policy Speech - The National Party leader and Deputy Prime Minister.

• Turn On The Lights - Liberal Party campaign jingle, sung by Renee Geyer.

• Whitlam comments on policies [Nov 27].

• Whitlam says it's the first time the burglar has been made caretaker.

• David Combe, ALP National Secretary, discusses the ALP's mood.

• David Combe discusses the Opinion Polls.

• Whitlam talks about the coup.

• Whitlam on education spending.

• Whitlam on Fraser's conduct.

• Whitlam on 3-year terms.

• Whitlam talks about the crowds attending election meetings.

• Whitlam speaks at Norwood High School in Melbourne.

• Shirley Jacobs sings The Labor Way.

• An election crowd chants We Want Gough.

Aftermath

• Kerr's 1976 Australia Day Message - Broadcast on January 26, 1976, eight weeks after the Dismissal, Kerr speaks to the nation from London, England, the country that was to be his exiled home for most of the remainder of his life.

• Il Dismissale - Max Gillies' immortal satire on the Dismissal.

• Whitlam's 1977 Election Policy Speech - this was Whitlam's last election as ALP leader.

• Whitlam Resigns ALP Leadership - On election night, December 10, 1977, Whitlam led the ALP to defeat and announced his resignation from the leadership.

• Whitlam Launches The Truth Of The Matter - a classic Whitlam appearance on February 8, 1979, at the National Press Club, to launch his book on the Dismissal.