Gough Whitlam quotes

The punters know that the horse named Morality rarely gets past the post, whereas the nag named Self-interest always runs a good race. (Gough Whitlam)

A conservative government survives essentially by dampening expectations and subduing hopes. Conservatism is basically pessimistic, reformism is basically optimistic.

Gough Whitlam

If I begin my book with a review of the coup, it is only to show that my abiding interests for Australia did not end with it. They shall end only with a long and fortunate life.

Gough Whitlam

Vincent Lingiari, I solemnly hand to you these deeds as proof, in Australian law, that these lands belong to the Gurindji people and I put into your hands this piece of the earth itself as a sign that we restore them to you and your children forever.

Gough Whitlam

I was profoundly embarrassed by it [the White Australia Policy] and did all I could to change it.

Gough Whitlam

He reveals that he has been a poor politician, a bad judge and a malevolent individual.

Gough Whitlam

When Sir Winton Turnbull [who represented a large rural seat], a slow and sometimes stumbling speaker, was raving and ranting on the adjournment and shouted: "I am a Count–ry member". I interjected "I remember". Sir Winton could not understand why, for the first time in all the years he had been speaking in the House, there was instant and loud applause from both sides.

Gough Whitlam

I have more influence now than when I had the power.

Gough Whitlam

I'm the only P.M. of which that can be said - 'His legislation was never declared invalid in the High Court.'

Gough Whitlam

We would do absolutely nothing. Now that's a blunt, truthful answer.

Gough Whitlam

Well may we say "God save the Queen", because nothing will save the Governor-General! The Proclamation which you have just heard read by the Governor-General's Official Secretary was countersigned "Malcolm Fraser," who will undoubtedly go down in Australian history from Remembrance Day 1975 as Kerr's cur. They won't silence the outskirts of Parliament House, even if the inside has been silenced for the next few weeks ... Maintain your rage and enthusiasm for the campaign for the election now to be held and until polling day. (Gough Whitlam)

Let me make quite clear that I am for abortion and, in your case sir, we should make it retrospective.

Gough Whitlam

Dying will happen sometime. As you know, I plan for the ages, not just for this life.

Gough Whitlam

An education system where student selection is based on credit capacity and not merit capacity and where graduating students are no longer indebted to the nation, but increasingly indebted to the Australian Taxation Office - that's no way to improve the quality of education.

Gough Whitlam