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Whitlam Dismissal at 50 Rekindles Power Debate After Albanese’s 'Calculated Plot' Charge

Fresh comments from key figures sharpen arguments about the legality and legacy of 1975.

Overview

  • At Old Parliament House, Anthony Albanese called the sacking a partisan ambush and announced a government‑commissioned Whitlam statue for the site.
  • Governor‑General Sam Mostyn said she would never say never to using dismissal powers and noted Sir John Kerr’s move had been building for months.
  • John Howard argued there was no alternative to ending the supply deadlock and said the episode showed the constitution’s resilience.
  • Howard also urged bipartisan support for four‑year federal terms, echoing a change Albanese has long advocated.
  • Anniversary discussions revisited the opposition’s supply blockade before Kerr dismissed Whitlam and appointed Malcolm Fraser, with Paul Keating describing the event as a coup.