Australia's treatment of her Aboriginal people will be the thing on which the world will judge Australia and Australians - Not just now, but in the greater perspective of history.
Gough WhitlamRead
Ladies and gentlemen, well may we say 'God Save the Queen', because nothing will save the Governor-General. The proclamation you have just heard was countersigned Malcolm Fraser, who will go down in history as Kerr's cur.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a significant political change and the dismissal of the Governor-General, emphasizing the weight of history in political actions.
This quote by Gough Whitlam captures a pivotal moment in Australian history when he was dismissed from office by the Governor-General Sir John Kerr. It highlights the irony and gravity of the situation, as the familiar phrase 'God Save the Queen' is contrasted with the idea that nothing could save the Governor-General from the historical judgment that would follow his controversial actions, particularly his decision to remove Whitlam from power.
Themes
PoliticsHistoryGovernor-GeneralDismissalWhitlam
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about political accountability, one might refer to Whitlam's quote to illustrate how history defines leadership.
More from Gough Whitlam
All quotes →Conscription is an impediment to achieving the forces Australia needs. It is an alibi for failing to give proper conditions to regular soldiers. We will abolish conscription forthwith. By abolishing it, Australia will achieve a better army, a better-paid army - and a better, united society.
Gough WhitlamRead
Hostility towards China distorted Australia's international affairs for 20 years until 1972, but reconciliation with China 30 years ago had produced a quarter century of constructive bipartisan relations with our region and the world, unmatched in Australian history.
Gough WhitlamRead
I was profoundly embarrassed by it [the White Australia Policy] and did all I could to change it.
Gough WhitlamRead
She was a remarkable person and the love of my life. We were married for almost 70 years. She encouraged and sustained me and our four children, their families and many other people in a life full of engagement with Australians from all walks of life.
Gough WhitlamRead
I have more influence now than when I had the power.
Gough WhitlamRead
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