Text of former High Court Chief Justice Sir Anthony Mason’s account of his discussions with Sir John Kerr. It offers an extraordinary insight into a series of discussions between then Justice Mason and Kerr. Mason disputes certain elements of Kerr’s account but largely confirms it.
Category: Issues
Mason: The Third Man In Whitlam’s Downfall
Gough Whitlam’s biographer, Jenny Hocking, has revealed hitherto unknown details of the role played by High Court Justice Sir Anthony Mason in the Whitlam dismissal. She discusses Mason’s involvement in a video posted on Fairfax websites.
Santamaria’s Role In The Dismissal
The Australian reports that in September 1975 B.A. Santamaria wrote a speech for Malcolm Fraser justifying the blocking of Supply.
Cutler Advised Kerr To Warn Whitlam
A new allegation against Sir John Kerr has emerged. The nephew of former NSW Governor Sir Roden Cutler has written to Gough Whitlam claiming that his uncle advised Kerr to warn Whitlam of his intentions.
The Dismissal – 30th Anniversary
An index of media coverage of the 30th anniversary of the Whitlam Dismissal. Includes many audio items.
Out Of Empire: Monash University Course Notes
Notes on the Whitlam Dismissal from Monash University’s Out of Empire series.
Key Questions Arising from the Whitlam Dismissal
A list of key questions arising from the Dismissal of the Whitlam government.
Choosing Governments in the Westminster System
One of the central questions of the Whitlam Dismissal was how governments are chosen in a Westminster parliamentary system.
Casual Senate Vacancies And The Whitlam Government
Information on the filling of casual Senate vacancies during the Whitlam government.
Constitutional Conventions in Australia
Details of constitutional conventions that govern the operation of the Australian political system.