The 50th Anniversary of the Dismissal
Next Tuesday marks the 50th anniversary of the day when Governor-General Sir John Kerr lawfully exercised a constitutional power to break a severe political deadlock and secure funds for the Crown to continue government operations. Despite this, Sir John Kerr has been relentlessly criticized both during his life and posthumously.
Clarifying Sir John Kerr's Role
It is important to state clearly that Sir John Kerr did not remove a grossly incompetent government; the Australian people did that. Kerr merely provided them with the opportunity. More significantly, this outcome was a consequence, not the reason, for his decision.
Renewed Criticism on the Anniversary
This anniversary has sparked a renewed wave of attacks on Sir John Kerr. Unexpectedly, these attacks have come from three main sources:
- A new biography of Whitlam
- A Sky News Australia documentary
- A full-day event organized by the Museum of Australian Democracy and live-streamed from Old Parliament House
The Museum Event
The event, chaired by Barrie Cassidy, features highly partisan figures like journalists Paul Kelly and Troy Bramston, and academic Professor Jenny Hocking—all known critics of Kerr. Most participants have ties to the Labor party.
“You can imagine the sound and fury that will engulf the parliamentary triangle on this otherwise sacred day.”
Author's Summary
The 50th anniversary of Kerr's dismissal decision revives fierce partisan debates, highlighting how deeply divided views remain on his constitutional intervention.