Gough Whitlam was a prolific speaker and writer. Until a few years before his death in 2014, he continued to speak out on issues of the day.
This page contains a select list of links to speeches Whitlam has made since the 1950s. Some are relevant to the Dismissal, many are on political, constitutional and electoral issues, whilst others deal with foreign affairs and a host of other matters.
All speeches referenced in any other part of this website are listed on this page.
The video on this page is of Whitlam in 1997, an address titled “A PM on PMs”.
Whitlam Speeches
1953
- Gough Whitlam’s Maiden Speech March 19, 1953
1969
- Whitlam’s 1969 Election Policy Speech October 1, 1969
1972
- It’s Time: Whitlam’s 1972 Election Policy Speech November 13, 1972
- Whitlam’s First Address To The Nation As Prime Minister December 20, 1972
1973
- Australia Day 1973: Whitlam Announces Search For New Anthem January 26, 1973
- Whitlam’s Address To The ALP National Conference July 10, 1973
- Foreign Policy: Whitlam’s Washington Address July 30, 1973
1974
- Address To The Nation: Gough Whitlam On Why The 1974 Election Was Called April 16, 1974
- Whitlam’s 1974 Election Policy Speech April 29, 1974
- Historic Joint Sitting Of The Australian Parliament August 6, 1974
- Joint Sitting Of Parliament: Whitlam’s Opening Speech August 6, 1974
1975
- Whitlam Proposes Optional Preferential Voting April 10, 1975
- Whitlam’s Report To The Nation On CHOGM And US Visit May 13, 1975
- Loans Affair: Special One-Day Sitting July 9, 1975
- Gurindji Land Ceremony August 16, 1975
- Whitlam Responds To Fraser’s Decision To Block Supply: Parliamentary Democracy Is Under Challenge October 15, 1975
- Gough Whitlam’s Post-Dismissal Press Conference November 11, 1975
- Whitlam’s 1975 Election Policy Speech November 24, 1975
1976
- The Death Of Chairman Mao Tse-Tung September 9, 1976
1977
- Whitlam’s 1977 Election Policy Speech November 17, 1977
- 1977 Federal Election: Whitlam Addresses ALP Election Rally At Moorabbin Town Hall November 28, 1977
- Whitlam Concedes Defeat, Resigns Leadership December 10, 1977
1978
1979
- Whitlam Launches “The Truth Of The Matter” February 8, 1979
1980
1985
- Whitlam Addresses The National Press Club On The Dismissal’s 10th Anniversary November 11, 1985
- Future Directions For Reform In Australia November 15, 1985
1990
- Centenary Of Arbor Day July 30, 1990
1994
- Australia Needs A New Flag November 11, 1994
1995
- Whitlam: The Coup Twenty Years After November 8, 1995
- Twentieth Anniversary: Maintain Your Rage And Enthusiasm November 11, 1995
- 20 Years On: Four Corners Remembers The Dismissal November 11, 1995
1997
- Whitlam’s Address At The Opening Of The Trade Union Education Foundation February 9, 1997
- Whitlam Comments On Barwick’s Letter To Kerr July 8, 1997
- Whitlam Address To Murdoch University Student Law Society July 25, 1997
- Gough Whitlam’s Eulogy For Lance Barnard: “My Oldest And Best Mate” August 15, 1997
- Whitlam: A PM On PMs December 3, 1997
2000
- That Politicians Have Lost Their Sense Of Humour May 24, 2000
- Opening The Dismissal Exhibition: Speech By Gough Whitlam November 11, 2000
- Constitutional Changes After 1975 November 11, 2000
2001
2002
- Birthday Boy Proposes Major ALP Reforms July 11, 2002
- The Relevance Of The Whitlam Government Today December 2, 2002
2003
- Maintain the Rag, A Celebration of the Whitlam Years June 30, 2003
2004
- Whitlam’s Message To The Liberal Party’s Killen Dinner July 24, 2004
- Joint Sitting 30th Anniversary August 6, 2004
2005
2007
- Gough Whitlam’s Eulogy For Sir James Killen January 19, 2007
- Gough and Margaret Whitlam Awarded ALP National Life Membership April 28, 2007
2012
- Whitlam Comments On Hocking’s Biography August 26, 2012