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: Kerr
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.
How The Queen Heard About Whitlam’s Dismissal
The Queen was told about Gough Whitlam’s dismissal when she woke at 8am on the morning of November 11 in Buckingham Palace. At this stage it was 7pm in Australia, the Parliament had been dissolved and an election set in train.
Alexandra Hasluck: How One Strong Woman Changed The Course Of Australian History
Alexandra Hasluck’s insistence that Sir Paul Hasluck give up his position as Governor-General may have changed the course of Australian history.
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.
Howard Defends Kerr
On the 30th anniversary of the dismissal of the Whitlam Government, the Prime Minister, John Howard, has again defended the actions of the then Governor-General, Sir John Kerr. Listen to the audio of his interview with Jon Faine on ABC 774.
Whitlam Says Kerr Needed Frequent Drying Out
In a new interview on the eve of the 30th anniversary of his 1972 election, Gough Whitlam says he was a better economic manager than Hawke or Keating. Whitlam also says he wouldn’t have appointed Sir John Kerr if he’d know he had a drinking problem.
Whitlam On His Appointment Of Kerr
Amidst the 2002 controversy surrounding Governor-General Archbishop Peter Hollingworth, Gough Whitlam reflected on his own appointment of Sir John Kerr in 1974.
Buckingham Palace Regrets
In a new television series, Sir William Heseltine, assistant private secretary to the Queen during the constitutional crisis, says Buckingham Palace wasn’t happy with Sir John Kerr’s sacking of the Whitlam government.
Brandis: Kerr “A Good And Decent Man Demonised”
A speech by Liberal Senator George Brandis, on the 25th anniversary of The Dismissal.