Gough Whitlam, the Prime Minister of Australia from 1972 to 1975 and leader of the Labor Party from 1967 to 1977, has been farewelled in a state memorial service at Sydney’s Town Hall.
About 2000 people gathered to remember the life and achievements of the political giant.
Gough Whitlam dies at the age of 98
Former Prime Ministers, including Paul Keating, Kevin Rudd, Bob Hawke and Julia Gillard were in attendance, as was Liberal Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
Gough’s son, Anthony Whitlam QC, actress Cate Blanchett and Senator John Faulkner are among the speakers at the service, while ABC journalist Kerry O’Brien is the master of ceremonies.
Describing Whitlam, Kerry said: “A big man, big heart, big vision, big hurdles, big flaws, big outcomes, a big life dedicated to public service.”
What Gough Whitlam did for you
Whitlam’s dismissal in 1975 was the most dramatic moment in Australia’s political and constitutional history.
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People gather outside of Town Hall for the memorial service for former Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam. Picture: AAP Image/Paul Miller
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Attendees gather for the memorial service for former Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, outside of the Town Hall in Sydney. Picture: AAP Image/Paul Miller
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Flowers are left at the memorial service for former Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, with a card that reads: “Thankyou comrade”. Picture: AAP Image/Paul Miller
Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke and wife Blanche d’Alpuget. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
Australian actor Cate Blanchett arrives at the memorial service. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and daughter Jessica arrive at the service. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
Prime Minister Tony Abbott arrives at the memorial service for former Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard outside of Town Hall in Sydney. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
Former Prime Minister Paul Keating arrives at the memorial service for the historic Labor leader. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
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