8legs: Dismissal of the whitlam government

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In a world with democracy in decline, we have much to learn from those who rallied against Whitlam’s dismissal | Frank Bongiorno and James Watson

The 1975 Whitlam dismissal sparked fears of public disorder, yet mass protests and street actions helped sustain democratic norms in Australia.
Archival discoveries, including palace letters, reveal more about leaders and the public’s view during the crisis.
The article notes the unions did not trigger a general strike, contrasting fears with the peaceful but vigorous public response.
Public sentiment leaned toward moderation, with leaders and ordinary citizens shaping a consensus-driven political order after the crisis.
The piece argues contemporary democracies can learn from vigilance and civic energy shown in 1975 Australia.
The authors link Whitlam’s dismissal to the rise of Hawke-era moderation and the shift toward middle-ground politics.
The piece places 1975 within a broader context of global Democratic decline but emphasizes local resilience.
The article cites public support and donations as examples of civic participation beyond strikes.
The piece underscores that the crisis ended with a robust democratic order, shaped by ordinary citizens.
The authors credit the 1975 events with influencing Australia’s political culture and democratic resilience.

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