This is an interesting, if long-winded, account of the events leading up to Gough Whitlan's election as Australian prime minister--and his subsequent dismissal from office. Written by his former press secretary and close adviser/friend, it is extremely sympathetic to Whitlam and his strong socialist agenda.Its major weakness is that it fails to explore, much less describe in detail, the chief reason for the Labor Party's great schism, namely, the Communist takeover of so many unions and its influence in the Labor Party. end review

The definitive account, by Whitlam's speechwriter, of the turbulent events of Gough Whitlams' primeminstership and government. Arguably, one of Australia's most interesting, and turbulent political periods, the drama and immediacy of the times rings true in this superb account.

A warts and all appraisal of political events in Australia that set the scene for one of the most dramatic moments in the country's history -- the 1975 dismissal of a lawfully elected Labor government by the Queen's representative the Governor-General. The authors explore the reasons behind US and British security concerns over Australian foreign policy under the Whitlam government and the curious circumstances behind a foreign loan involving the state bank of the Soviet Union. The recovery of Swiss bank documents suggests the hint of corruption in high places as well as the more sinister possibility of a traitor in government ranks.

This book is brilliant for analysis of the Whitlam era. An era that changed Australian politics and almost caused a social policy revolution. Whitlam outlines his actions, the reactions and the outcomes of his ground-breaking ministry with true Whitlam articulation and eloquence.

A must read for students or Whitlamites!

The book is nearly 30 years old, and when published caused a considerable political and cultural storm. It attempted to discuss/analyse the social and poltiical mores of Australia, and tried to provide a critique of what was then 'good' and 'bad'. Having read the book recently, it surprised me how this pamphlet could have caused the fuss it did. Perhaps as the sequel to THE LUCKY COUNTRY, and given the title the hype preceeded it a little. Worth a read for hisotoricval context, but not much more.

In 1975 Australia had a constitutional crisis. In 1972 after some 23 years out of power a left wing labour government was elected to power. Because of the way the upper house in Australia was elected at the time the conservative party dominated that chamber.

In 1974 Australia was affected by the high inflation and falling demand levels which were occuring throughout the Westen World. The conservatives in the Senate forced the Labour party to an election in 1974 which they won. The Senate still remained in conservative hands.

In 1975 as the economic position of the country got worse the conservatives thought that they would have another shot. The supply bill was deferred and the conservative leader thought Whitlam the Labour leader would be forced to an election again. Whitlam had other ideas and decided to plunge on without supply, that is the legal ability to spend tax revenue. The country drifted into a crisis.

Whitlam thought that if he could tough it out the conservatives would change their vote in the Senate and his popularity would go through the roof. Instead the Governor General a former judge with a love of alcohol John Kerr sacked Whitlam and installed Fraser the conservative leader. Kerr wrote a book defending his actions called Matters for Judgement. It was a work of mind blowing tedium that was immediately remaindered.

This book is Whitlams side of the story and in reality it is now dated as the crisis is so remote from most peoples memory. However it is full of his usual wit and it is a savage attack on John Kerr taking frankly about his drinking and his many bad qualities.

The reality is that Kerr is now dead and Whitlams book although enertaining is a bit partisan. Kelly has written what is the definative book on the crisis called 1975 which is the best thing to read.

Gough Whitlam is one of Australia's more controversial Prime Ministers. He was in power from 1972 to 1975 and is seen by his supporters as a person who brought Australia into the 20th Century but by his detractors as a man who destroyed the economy of the country.

He led the Australian Labour party which was out of power from 1949 to when he led it to an election victory in 72. To do this Whitlam had to reform the party. He was behind the intervention in the Victorian Branch to get rid of a small cabal of left wing election losers. He was behind the constitution to remove the suggestion that the party was controlled by faceless men. He also worked out a program which for an Australian Party was revolutionary.

Once in power he withdrew Australian forces from Vietnam, recognised China, disbanded what was left of the White Australia policy and he reformed the divorce law and established Australia's health care system. Unfortunately he then ran into the stagflation which overran the Western World due to American deficiet spending and the OPEC Oil embargo.

Whitlam was forced by a hostile conservative senate to an election in 1974 and then again the refusal to pass supply led to teh constitutional crisis of 1975 which in turn led to Whitlam being sacked and suffering a massive electoral defeat.

This book is an account of Whitlam's career but it is reasably negative. Alan Reid was a press club figure who also wrote on John Gorton and was hostile to both Gorton and Whitlam more for reasons of style than their political substance. Never the less it is a book that those who dislike Whitlam would like, whilst his fans would prefer A Certain Granduer by his speech writer Freudenberg.