Whitlam... Transformed Australia. Tried to do too much in a short time. Was in power at the time of the oil shock.
he policy legacy of the Whitlam government is significant and lasting. Many reforms that were fiercely opposed by the opposition parties and the conservative establishment have now become bipartisan articles of faith.
Universal healthcare was achieved with the creation of Medibank. Schools funding became needs-based, rather than ad hoc funding for grants and scholarships, ending decades of division over state aid. University and technical college fees were abolished.
Environmental impact statements for major cabinet decisions were introduced. Thousands of homes were connected to the sewer. Funding was provided for major infrastructure and public transport projects.
The arts were encouraged with new funding and new and reformed creative institutions. Women were given equal opportunities in federal government employment.
In foreign policy, the government adopted a more independent outlook that was less attached to Britain or the US. The withdrawal of forces from Vietnam was completed and conscription was abolished. Conscientious objectors were freed from prison.
Diplomatic recognition was given to China, building on Whitlam's landmark visit as opposition leader in 1971. The transition to independence and self-government in Papua New Guinea was completed.
Reflecting Australia's new international outlook, appeals to the British Privy Council from state supreme courts were abolished, a new Australian honours system was introduced, the Queen's title was changed to "Queen of Australia" and Advance Australia Fair replaced God Save the Queen as the national anthem.
A suite of law reforms were introduced: lowering the voting age to 18 years, two new senators for each of the territories, one-vote-one-value electoral laws, abolition of the death penalty, the establishment of legal aid, no-fault divorce and the passage of the Racial Discrimination Act. The final vestiges of the White Australia policy - allowing for immigration applications to be assessed on the basis of the colour of a person's skin - were removed.
There were important economic reforms such as the abolition of tariffs, subsidies and preferential tax treatment for certain industries. The introduction of new trade practices laws tackled anti-competitive behaviour.
The government invested in the productive drivers of the economy such as education and infrastructure. But, as Whitlam argued, the economic failures were significant.
The economy inherited in 1972 was experiencing a downturn and unemployment and inflation were at their highest point since the early 1960s. Growth was below the post-war average.
There were a series of external shocks to the economy, including a 70 per cent increase in oil prices in late 1973.
Although the government reduced spending in some areas, the overall size of the public sector dramatically increased and government spending ballooned. Failure to strike a co-operative partnership with unions led to a series of wage breakouts.
