Assessment Resource Centre (ARC)

Sir John Kerr

Sir John Kerr was appointed as Governor-General in 1972 by the Queen, on the advice of Labor Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. He had extensive knowledge and skill of the law, previously being the Chief Justice of the NSW Supreme Court, and in the past had participated in political activity that was congruent with the policies and values upheld by the Labor Party.

During 1975, a constitutional crisis took place involving the Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and the Opposition, led by Malcolm Fraser. Although Whitlam had been in power for the past three years, when two Labor senators retired/died, QLD and NSW Premiers at the time instead broke a convention and appointed Liberal senators to take their place – resulting in a hostile Senate. The Senate began to block supply, in order to force the Whitlam Government to hold an early election, however Whitlam refused. On 11th November 1975, Sir John Kerr dismissed the Whitlam Government and appointed Malcolm Fraser as caretaker Prime Minister.

This stirred many responses from the Australian public – some believed that Kerr was wrong and had other options, such as ordering the Senate to either accept or reject supply bills, not just block it, or calling a half-Senate dissolution. Many also thought that Kerr acted unconstitutional, as Whitlam was democratically elected by the people and deserved to govern for his full term, and also Kerr advised Garfield Barwick, Malcolm Fraser and several others regarding his options, but not Whitlam himself. As a result of Kerr’s actions, many citizens were outraged but many also agreed with him on the matter, and Whitlam exclaimed on the steps of Parliament House, “Well may we say God save the Queen, because nothing will save the Governor-General.” The Liberal Party then went on to win the next election.

Sir John Kerr’s legacy today stands in the shadow of Gough Whitlam, and many remember him negatively for his actions, as it is now recognised that Whitlam’s reforms are the basis of several government policies and programs now (e.g. Medibank). It is important to learn about Sir John Kerr so as to understand the significance of the dismissal, the public response and how the policies at the time are now viewed today.

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