Former Australian PM Gough Whitlam dies at 98

(BBC) Former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam has died at the age of 98.

He was credited with transforming Australian society in the 1970s after 23 years of conservative government, introducing many far-reaching reforms.

But his government was plagued by resignations and the governor-general dismissed it in November 1975 after just three years.

In a statement, his family said he was an "inspiration to us and our families and for millions of Australians".

Prime Minister Tony Abbott described Mr Whitlam as a "giant of his time" and said flags across Australia would fly at half-mast on Tuesday.

Mr Whitlam's reforms included introducing free university education, abolishing the death penalty and allowing non-white immigrants into Australia.

'The nation has lost a legend'

He was also the first Australian leader to visit China, establishing diplomatic relations with what is now Australia's largest trading partner. Mr Abbott said this was "an enduring legacy".

Full story: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-29694093

-- BBC 2014-10-21

A true statesman who wouldn't bow to the U.S. later admired by his political rivals. The last Australian P.M to be removed by the British.

Difficult first name to pronounce.

Difficult first name to pronounce.

So u r one real lucky dude never to have had a "COUGH"

He gave us the things we expect in a free and wealthy country. Free university, free healthcare, where did they go?

RIP Gough, we may never see such a courageous politician again.

RIP Gough

It's a bit of long read below, but I always recall his hugely witty "country member" quip

http://whitlamdismissal.com/2000/05/24/whitlam-sense-of-humour-debate.html

TL

A true statesman who wouldn't bow to the U.S. later admired by his political rivals. The last Australian P.M to be removed by the British.

Australian leaders don't tend to bow to the USA. If the government is like minded as the conservatives before him, they follow a similar path. If the government is no like minded, they don't follow the same path.

A very sad day for most Australians.

A true statesman and an inspirational leader.

He lead Australia out of the dark ages, and laid the foundations for 21C Australia.

Sadly missed.

A true statesman who wouldn't bow to the U.S. later admired by his political rivals. The last Australian P.M to be removed by the British.

History shows that John Kerr was his own man and QEII was not consulted as to his intention to dismiss Whitlam. Kerr was Sydney born and bred and was a Labor man to his boot straps - that's what rankled Labor, and apparently still does.

Whitlam's government opened the door for real and fundamental change in Australian society. An evolution that continues to this day but founded in the legislative program of his government. I was too young during that time to be political and just watched events as they unfolded but I had the good fortune to work with one of his economic team later in life here in Thailand and hear many stories of those heady days.

The only thing I can remember about his successor, the guy who pushed Kerr to commit his evil deed, was that he locked himself out of a hotel room in America without his trousers. I vaguely remember the turmoil and the noise although I might be thinking of the TV movie done a few years ago. I do remember the campaign song - "It's time". Very 70's.

Whitlam was a giant. In politics and in real life. At least he seemed gigantic when I met him at my University when he visited after being appointed to UNESCO. He seemed huge and I am quite tall myself.

What a presence. What a life.

Well I guess "It's Time"

Many of the changes he brought have taken 40 years to destroy and still vestiges remain. A healthy better educated society, but for how long more

A giant of a man . Who achieved more for ordinary Australians in 3 years than those who came before or followed. Now being undone by the current Coalition.

Vale.

A giant of a man . Who achieved more for ordinary Australians in 3 years than those who came before or followed. Now being undone by the current Coalition.

Do you know who re-introduced tertiary education fees?

A great man.

Never heard of him.

A giant of a man . Who achieved more for ordinary Australians in 3 years than those who came before or followed. Now being undone by the current Coalition.

Do you know who re-introduced tertiary education fees?

you dont know who wants to undo much of what was introduced 40 years ago? The Australian public are finding out.

They had a service today for Gough. They booed Tony outside and in the church. Although a little disrespectful, I don't think Gough would have mind.

In the early 80s, I had the occasion of sitting down and having a chat with Gough for about an hour. It was mainly social chit-chat, but Gough being Gough, he couldn't help himself and started telling stories - what a raconteur. It was interesting in later years that he started to mellow towards Frazer, the man he called Kerr's cur. That was the time when both men were prominent on the world stage in non-political roles. I guess that's the mark of the man. Rest in peace, Gough.