when: 08 November 2025 - 28 February 2026 | venue: Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House | cost: See event for details | address: 18 King George Terrace Parkes 2600 | website: https://moadoph.gov.au
published: 04 Dec 2025, 5 min read
On 11 November 1975, Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and his Labor government were dismissed by Governor-General Sir John Kerr. Opposition Leader Malcolm Fraser was appointed caretaker prime minister following Whitlam's dismissal. The Governor-General's Official Secretary, David Smith, read the proclamation dissolving parliament here on the steps of Old Parliament House. It was the first, and so far only, time a prime minister and their government has been dismissed in Australia.
From handwritten notes to official letters, including the letter dismissing Whitlam from office, explore key historical documents related to the dismissal and the words that not only changed the government, but made a lasting impact on the nation.
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On 11 November 1975, Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and his Labor government were dismissed by Governor-General Sir John Kerr. Opposition Leader Malcolm Fraser was appointed caretaker prime minister following Whitlam's dismissal. The Governor-General's Official Secretary, David Smith, read the proclamation dissolving parliament here on the steps of Old Parliament House. It was the first, and so far only, time a prime minister and their government has been dismissed in Australia.
From handwritten notes to official letters, including the letter dismissing Whitlam from office, explore key historical documents related to the dismissal and the words that not only changed the government, but made a lasting impact on the nation.
Go see The Dismissal: Words that made history 2025.
The Dismissal: Words that made history 2025 is on 08 November 2025 - 28 February 2026. The opening hours are: See event website for details. Conveniently located in Parkes. Call 02 6270 8222 for details. Visit their website at https://moadoph.gov.au.
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