Whitlam, (Edward) Gough (1916– )

Australian politician, leader of the Labor Party 1967–78 and prime minister 1972–75. He ended conscription and Australia's military commitment in Vietnam, introduced the Medibank national health service, abolished university fees, expanded Aboriginal rights, attempted redistribution of wealth, raised loans to increase national ownership of industry and resources, and recognized mainland China.

When the opposition blocked finance bills in the Senate, following a crisis of confidence, Whitlam refused to call a general election and was dismissed by the governor general, John Kerr. He was defeated in the subsequent general election by Malcolm Fraser. He served as ambassador to UNESCO 1982–86.

Born near Melbourne, the son of a senior civil servant, he studied law at Sydney University after wartime service in the air force. He initially worked as a barrister, before being elected to the federal parliament in 1952, for the Labor Party (ALP), of which he became deputy leader in 1960, promoting reforms oposed by the left-wing ‘old guard’.