Opening of Whitlam Prime Ministerial home
I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
I am proud to lead a Labor Government committed to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, in full, including a constitutionally-enshrined Voice to Parliament.
I welcome Nicholas Whitlam, Catherine Dovey and your families
Federal and state colleagues, members of local government.
Distinguished guests
A great nation such as ours preserves its treasures.
Honours our legends.
Celebrates our history.
And commemorates the places where that history was made.
Fifty years ago, people all over Australia voted to change the direction of our nation.
After 23 years of torpor, drift and decay, Australians voted for a Program of transformation, modernisation and reform.
A vision to renew our sense of fairness, purpose and progress: in education, health care and justice.
To re-imagine our place in the world and our role in our region.
To reconcile with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
To assert the equality of women, in our laws, our society and our economy.
To ‘liberate the talents and uplift the horizons’ of our nation.
In declaring: “It’s Time”, Australians rejected ‘the fears and habits of the past’ and embraced ‘the demands and opportunities of the future’.
And, fifty years ago, around 11 pm, this street was filled with cheering supporters, lit up by the flash of cameras, as Gough Whitlam returned to the humble home behind us.
Shaking hands with his friends, neighbours, campaign workers.
Margaret by his side, his partner in all things, knowing their lives would be changed forever.
Then Gough cleared a small space in the packed living room to address his country, as Prime Minister-elect.
Claiming a ‘very good mandate’ for the policies of his new government.
So, this is the place where Gough first took up the weight of history – and first knew the great privilege of office.
The responsibility and opportunity of government that Whitlam understood so well, the chance to change the nation for the better.
This may be the house Gough lived in – but all of us live in the Australia he helped to build.
I salute the efforts of all those who have worked to acquire and preserve this house to educate and inspire future generations:
- Former NSW Premier Barrie Unsworth who led the Whitlam Heritage Home Group in the initial purchase
- The Western Sydney University and The Whitlam Institute who are the current custodians of the house
- And the $1.3 million grant made in 2021 for the purchase and restoration by the former Minister, Ben Morton.
It’s fitting that we gather here today to honour Gough Whitlam at a home in the suburbs.
Because Gough was the first great Prime Ministerial champion of the suburbs.
He was a passionate advocate for citizens in new and growing communities, for their right to enjoy the same opportunities and be served by the same amenities as Australians in the inner city.
And he understood the message a government sends to people when it invests in their housing, their infrastructure, their edducation and their quality of life: a statement of respect for their aspirations, a statement of belief in their potential.
It is a truth every Labor Government has honoured and held to since.
The understanding that government derives its power from the people – and proves its value by serving the people.
By converting the promises of a campaign, into the progress of a nation.
Friends
Today is the anniversary of a famous victory.
But what this day in Australian history marks – above all else – is the beginning of a new era.
Because when Gough Whitlam walked out the door of 32 Albert Street for the first time as Prime Minister-elect, he was taking the first steps on a journey of reform and change.
The beginning of delivering a legacy that lives around us – inspires us, guides us and teaches us.
It’s a true honour to share this moment with you today.
And I’m delighted all Australians will be able to share in this piece of our nation’s history, from this day forward.