Australia as a Global Citizen

Transcription

1 Australia as a Global Citizen Australia's Role in the United Nations From the beginning UN was formed on the 24th October It was aimed at maintaining world peace and security. It has been the focus of global initiatives for dealing with armed conflicts. Australia was one of the founding members. "Doc" Evatt was apart of the first delegation that went to the UN. The San Francisco Conference drew up the principles, policies and powers which would form the UN. Doc Evatt The San Francisco Conference established the UN mandate and drew up the charter. It was signed on the 26th June It created the UN's six main organs. Evatt's negotiation skills helped ensure that smaller countries also had a say in proceedings. In 1947, Evatt chaired the United Nations Palestine Commission. He served as the third President of the General Assembly from 1948 to There he played a key role in negotiations leading to the creation of the state of Israel. First chairperson of its Atomic Energy Commission. On 10th December 1948, Evatt presided over the General Assembly session at which members unanimously passed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Australia's Contribution to the UN Australia has key diplomatic missions and the UN ambassadors in Geneva, Ney York and Vienna. They represent Australian interest at UN bodies in those cities. It also has diplomatic missions which deal with UN agencies in six other cities around the globe. Australia contributes to the UN by: o The General Assembly in New York o Though specialist UN bodies such as : The World Health Organisation (WHO) The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International Labour Organisation (ILO) The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Australia promotes its national concerns through UN discussions on: o Aid programs o Disarmament of nuclear safeguards o Environmental protection o Global trade and finance o Health o Human Rights o International Security o Refugee issues Australia supports the UN's multilateral treaty system.

2 Australia is committed to achieving the UN's Millennium Development Goals. These are 8 goals developed in 2000 to achieve by By becoming a member of the UN, Australia signified a commitment to working to avoid military conflict among and within nations. On three occasions - the Korean War, Suez Crisis, Gulf War - the UN has exercised military force to resolve the conflict. Australia's UN Peacekeeping Role Australia's military forces have contributed to over 20 UN peacekeeping operations Over the past 20 years, Australia's peacekeeping role has increasingly become more complex with responsibilities extending to include: o The investigation of claims of human rights violations o The establishment of local police forces and the training of personnel to serve in them o The monitoring of election processes and the verification of election results o The establishment or re-establishment of local justice systems o The provision of humanitarian aid This role by Australia began in 1947, when Australia sent 4 military observers in Indonesia. Australia has been involved in both peacekeeping and humanitarian aid in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Iraq, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Zimbabwe. Australia and UN Conventions UDHR is a declaration of human rights, passed in The UN incorporated rights into international law through a number of conventions and treaties. Signatories agree to uphold these principles of human rights. Australia has ratified 2 of the most important: o The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) o The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) These principles have been incorporated in Australian law: o Family law protects the best interests of the child o The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commissions Act 1986 o The Racial Discrimination Act The International Covenant on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination o The Sex Discrimination Act Anti-discrimination against women

3 Australian and UNESCO Stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. Founded in Works to promote shared international respect, understanding and valuing of different civilisations and cultures. It communicates information about scientific breakthroughs, facilitates discussion of ethical issues, works to end poverty and encourages sustainable development. The main aim of UNESCO is a focus on international cooperation on the basis of mutual respect. Memory of the World (MOW) Program This is an important recent UNESCO initiative founded in Developed by Australia, it's aimed to ensure the preservation of important documents that might otherwise be destroyed with the passing time. Australia and the UN from the 1990's The ALP embraced the international spirit of the UN. The Liberal Party tends to be more concerned with promoting national priorities. The UN criticised Australia's policy on: o Mandatory detention o Indigenous rights o Treatment of asylum seekers They regarded the policies as to contradict the human right principles. In 1992, mandatory detention was introduced to anyone coming without any official travel documents. Initially, they could be detained for 293 days. But it was then extended to become indefinite period, before they could be given refugee status or deported. The Liberal Government defended it's policies on the mandatory and indefinite detention. Adults and children were detained in detention centres: o That were located in remote areas o Had inadequate housing and other facilities o Severely restricted detainees from communication with the outside world o Failed to provide adequate medical attention o As a result the detainees suffered physical, emotional and mental trauma Detainees had no right of appeal of their imprisonment. In 2001, the Pacific Solution was introduced. People were detained far off in the Pacific. 80% eventually gained refugee status. These policies relating to asylum seekers contradicted Australia's commitment to Human Rights. The policy relating refugees changed in 2008 where Kevin Rudd abolished the Pacific Solution. Conflict also arose with the UN in 2003, when Australia joined the US led war in Iraq. This move despite UN's disapproval showed the then Government's attitude to the UN. Australia sought reform of the UN. The Howard Government had four main complaints about the UN:

4 o o o o The criticisms made of Australia, lie outside Australia and not a matter for Australia's concern. The UN's criticisms have placed undue emphasis made about the Australian government by non-government organisations (NGOs) Committee members have been biased against the Australian Government.. Committees spend too much time criticising countries with good Human Right records. INTERFET: an Australian Achievement within the UN From 20th September 1999 Australia spent 5 months on a peacekeeping mission to East Timor. The mission is known as the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) The aim was tackle the humanitarian and security crisis in East Timor. From the mission continued under the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET), which helped to establish a civil administration system. The 1999 East Timor Crisis On the 30th of August 1999, the East Timorese people voted in favour of independence from Indonesia in a referendum. 78.5% voted in favour in an overwhelming majority. Indonesian backed pro-integration militia refused to accept the result. They embarked on a horrific campaign of violence, rape, looting and arson that resulted in a massacre of an unknown number people. Destroyed housing, irrigation systems, schools and water and electricity supplies. Drove from to people from their homes to West Timor or to hide in the mountains. Under pressure from the international community, the Indonesian President Habibie requested the support of the UN to resolve the crisis. INTERFET On the 15 September issued UNSC Resolution INTERFET called for the support of 17 nations including, Australia, Great Britain, United States, New Zealand, Canada, Philippines, France and Thailand. Australia provided personnel out of the total The personnel included Major General Mark Cosgrove. INTERFET's task involved tackling the crisis while awaiting an official peacekeeping force and to also: o End the violence o Restore security o Provide humanitarian aid o Help displaced people to return to their homes o Restore infrastructure that the militia destroyed INTERFET support came on the 20th of September The troops moved to establish their authority in Dili through: o Infantry patrols o Vehicle check points o Capturing and disarming militias o Dismantling TNI (Indonesian military) road blocks

5 The forces would gain control of key areas with infantry with the help of helicopters and armoured vehicles. The infantry would then spread out and establish a wider area to come under INTERFET control. On the 22nd September, they undertook an air mobile operation and gained control of Baucau, 127km east of Dili and East Timor's second largest town. In late September, one of the leader of the militias, Eurico Guterres, announced that they will wage war on INTERFET. On 27th September, helicopters provided aerial support for 150 troops who took control of the village of Liquica - the heart of the militia groups - and captured 30 militia men. INTERFET then began to focus on the border of the East and West Timor. On October 1, as part of Operation Lavarack, Blackhawk helicopters, landing craft and armoured vehicles provided support to Australian soldiers in the western areas of East Timor. The troops took control of Balibo, near the border. Australian forces land in Oecussi to assert their authority within West Timor; an Australian clearance diving team came beforehand to clear the area of mines. On the 19th October, the Indonesian Government recognised the result of the election. On the 25th of October, the UN established the United Nations Transitional Authority in East Timor (UNTAET), this helped to form a provisional government and oversee East Timor's transition to independence. By then people began to return to their communities, as areas started to become safer. INTERFET remained until 25th February the following year, when it transferred power to the UNTAET. Assessing the Achievement Was the largest military involvement since World War 2 Australia provided most of the troops and commanding leader. Australia provided most of the transportation in Blackhawk helicopters and armoured vehicles. The overall mission was successful as it was effective and professional in asserting its authority over and restoring peace in East Timor. In the 5 months in East Timor INTERFET was successful in: o Restoring security and this saving lives o Organising and facilitating extensive food distribution and the distribution of maize and rice seed o Provided transport to help over people to return from West Timor to their own communities o Enabled the majority of primary schools to reopen o Distributed tarpaulins to provide shelter until homes could be rebuilt o Support humanitarian groups providing medical and other assistance East Timor became and independent nation on the 20th May On the same day UNTAET gave way to UNMISET - the UN Mission of Support in East Timor. The aim is to support the East Timor in developing the administrative structures it government would need - it was completed in During this time, the name was changed from East Timor to Timor-Leste.

6 Australia's Regional Agreements Australia has sought to enhance its security and economic prosperity through a range of agreements in the Asia-Pacific. The focus has expanded to issues relating to: o Illegal immigration o Refugees o Transnational crime o Environmental and health threats o Drug trafficking o Counter-terrorism ANZUS The ANZUS treaty was signed in 1951 The treaty involved the US, Australia and New Zealand The terms included that should one country come under attack, all countries will convene and discuss a response. All nations would also seek to develop its own defence capabilities. Australia welcomed the treaty as it allowed Australia to strengthen its alliance with the US. The treaty however didn't commit the US to Australia, should Australia come under attack. Australia and US frequently hold military exercises. Australia and US have defence facilities in Australia In 1984, the treaty changed, after New Zealand didn't allow US ships to enter New Zealand water, as they believed that the ships were nuclear powered. Since 1986, New Zealand was suspended from the treaty. SEATO SEATO was created in September 1954 by the US. The members included Australia, UK, US, France, Pakistan, Thailand and the Philippines. The aim was to protect the countries in South-East Asia and the Pacific who felt threatened by communism. Membership of SEATO was to express Australia's forward defence strategy and its desire to contain communism. SEATO, also known as the Manila Pact, was dissolved in The Colombo Plan The Colombo Plan for Cooperative Economic Development in South and South-East Asia began as a result of an Australian suggestion at the Commonwealth Conference on Foreign Affairs at Colombo, Sri Lanka in In 1977, the name was changed to the Colombo Plan for Cooperative Economic and Social Development in Asia and the Pacific. The change occurred after some countries left became communist. Now there are 25 members, from both Asia and the Pacific, inside and outside the Commonwealth and different political systems. The aim of the Colombo Plan was to promote friendships among countries in the Asia- Pacific and encourage economic cooperation. The Plan provides support for the economic and social development of the least developed areas in the Asia-Pacific region.

7 This involves the more advanced member states providing and sharing their knowledge of technology and industrial and technical expertise with their less advanced neighbours. It establishes programs to develop skills in public administration, private development, drug advice publications and use of databank systems. The main aim however is the development of Human Resources. Australia's involvement demonstrates a commitment to reducing the economic inequality that characterises some of the nations in the region. The initial aim of the plan was to concentrate on the British Commonwealth countries within Asia. This then expanded to all countries in the region. In 1998, the Consultative Committee developed the Manila Colombo Plan Agenda (MACOPA 21) to guide the work of the Colombo Plan into the twenty-first century. APEC Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) formed in It aims to promote economic development, trade and investment among its member nations. Australia is one of the 21 members, who makes up a third of the world's population. APEC contributes to nearly half of the world's trade. APEC members act in consensus and are not obligated by any treaties. Members volunteer the nature of the commitment they want to make on specific projects. APEC works to: o Reduce tariffs o Promote free, open and secure trade and investment o Improve security o Help countries embrace globalisation APEC meets annually. Sydney hosted in Other Regional Commitments Since 1974, Australia has been one of the 10 members of Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Discussion mainly surrounds security in the area. In 2005 Australia was one of the founding members of the East Asia Summit. It focuses on regional cooperation and integration. Regional Security There has been recent conflict in the Asia-Pacific: o Conflict related to separatist movements in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. o Religious conflicts in Indonesia and the Philippines o Ethnic and economic conflicts in Fiji and the Solomon Islands. Through both the UN and regional agreements, Australia has provided assistance in these conflicts.

8 The Policies and Prime Ministership of Gough Whitlam It's Time: Domestic Policy Initiatives Edward Gough Whitlam (1916-) was Australia's 21st Prime Minister. First ALP Prime Minister in 23 years, on the 5th December The campaign winning slogan was "It's Time", regarded as the most effective slogan. The ALP promised change. Presented the image of dynamic, forward-looking party which had talent drive, and creativity to move Australia into a new and more exciting era of its history. The campaign persuaded generally cynical voters to vote Labor. Gough personified leadership. He practiced law before entering Federal politics. He was a confident, well-educated and witty orator, whose speeches inspired enthusiasm. Domestic Policy Whitlam was dedicated to implementing Labor's reformist domestic policies as soon as possible. He and his deputy Lance Barnard shared 27 portfolios. They began to implement 40 major policies from their reform program. Their first actions include: o Abolition of conscription o Release draft dodgers o Banning racially selected teams from South Africa o The establishment of commissions to investigate: Indigenous land rights Needs of schools "Equal pay for work of equal value" for women In the next three years, the Labor Government continued to implement dramatic reforms. The goal of the Whitlam Government was to "achieve basic changes in the administration and structure of Australian society. There were three key principles: o Equality of opportunity o Australian control of the nation's resources o Promotion of the Australia identity. His policies for Indigenous people, women and migrant tackled his concerns of social justice. Rights for Indigenous Australians The Whitlam Government worked to improve Indigenous Australian's access to justice. It introduced a policy of self-determination and encouraged land rights. In 1973, it established the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Land Rights in Federal Territories under Justice Edward Woodward. The government funded the establishment of the North and Central Land Councils and gain legal support for land rights and claims. In 1975, Whitlam formally returned the land that the Gurindji people were denied after the Gove Land ruling of 1971.

9 Under the Whitlam Government, spending on Aboriginal Affairs increased from $23 million under the Liberal Government budget to $141 million in the budget. Whitlam established the Federal Ministry for Aboriginal Affairs and the National Aboriginal Consultative Committee (NACC) to advise the minister. Whitlam repealed Section 64 of the migration Act This allowed Aborigines to leave Australia without permission from the Australian Government. The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 became Australia's first human rights legislation on 11th June Multiculturalism The Whitlam Government moved away from integration and moved towards multiculturalism. (It was finally adopted by the Fraser Government). This policy recognised the range of different cultures in Australia and that people from different backgrounds should be able to celebrate and retain their cultural heritage while participating in the life of their new country. Through Al Grassby, Minister for Immigration and the Commissioner for Community relations, the Whitlam Government ended a number of discriminatory practices related to immigration and citizenship: o The abolition of the White Australia Policy - to improve relations with Asia o Tourist visas were assessed equally - before, Northern European and American were given preference. o The citizenship act was reformed - people from the UK no longer held precedence over others while applying for citizenship The government encouraged support for migrants through: o Radio programs in community languages o The establishment of migrant education centres o Provision of multilingual welfare officers o Interpreters for emergency telephone calls Whitlam made agreements with the Italian government to begin a teacher exchange program This allowed teachers better understand Italian students. Italian teachers also helped integrate the students in. Benefits for Women The Whitlam Government promoted equal opportunities in all areas of the Commonwealth Government and Australian life. In 1973, Whitlam appointed Elizabeth Reid to be the first Women's Adviser to the Prime Minister. He also created the Office of Women's Affairs to promote policies to help women achieve equality. In 1974, the Government allowed the Conciliation and Arbitration Commission to create an adult wage, rather and separate men and women's wage. The government support women in traditional roles: o Gave single mothers an allowed to support her children o Removed the sales tax on the contraceptive pill o Offered English tutoring to foreign women to help them integrate into the community. The no fault divorce principle helped remove social stigma on divorced women.

10 Family Law Act 1975, allowed women to leave relationships "guilt" free which have damaged their rights in custody disputes and property settlements. Education and Equality They believed that increased government supported education leads to greater equality. There were three initiatives to do this: o The establishment of the Australia Schools Commission to determine what individual schools needed - this will lead to a funding basis so all students have equal access to key educational resources. o Abolition of higher education school fees - allows people to attend higher education who otherwise couldn't afford it. o Taking over the funding of tertiary education from state governments. When compared to earlier government expenditure Whitlam was committed to spend in the best interest of the nation, not just the students. In government contribution to education was 2%, was 9% and in rose to 41.9%. Whitlam's policies showed great expansions in investment by the government in education and education facilities. They: o Fostered equality of opportunity o Encouraged educational professionalism o Helped improve the quality of education o Improved methods of learning and learning resources School Education Whitlam wanted the needs-based funding would provide funds to improve and expand the resources of poor schools. Almost 70% of schools funding was used to upgrade needy government schools. The Disadvantaged Schools Program focused on overcoming students' alienation from schools, further supported its goal. Higher Education From 1974 the government: o Took over full responsibility for funding universities and colleges of advanced education o Abolished tuition fees for higher education students o Began implementing TEAS - the Tertiary Education Assistance Scheme - it provided financial support for tertiary students. The government approved plans for: o Deakin University at Geelong o Faculty of Medicine at Newcastle University The government provided funds to modernise the facilities and infrastructure. The Whitlam government increase government grants by 348% and 98% in student assistance. Overall, government spending in higher education doubled from 1969 to the end of the Whitlam era. Medibank - National Health Insurance

11 In 1972, Australia was only one of two Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) without a national health insurance scheme, where citizens could access hospital and medical services. The Whitlam Government gained approval in 1974 and introduced it in Medibank: o Meant that within public health professionals worked for a salary or received timebased payments rather than a fee for service. o Resulted in work beginning on the planning and development of a wide range of community health services, especially with regard to women's health. o Was accompanied by the idea of bulk billing, which meant that patients could see doctors who bulk billed without paying a consultation fee. People were wary about Medibank because of their experiences in the UK, but they eventually accepted it. This issue single handily won Bob Hawke the election in 1983, after it was abolished by the Fraser government in The name changed to Medicare, and can be accessed by Australians at no direct charge to them. Other Reform Policies Other major reforms include: o Program to bring sewerage to all urban areas o The encouragement to decentralisation and the creation of Albury-Wodonga o The creation of Australian passports, so that it didn't refer Australian as British subjects. o The creation of the Australia Film Commission, the Australia Council, the Australian Heritage Commission, the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, and a Nation Film and Television School, and the start of construction on the Australia National Gallery. o The establishment of the Australian Legal Aid Office to provide legal representation for those who could not afford it o The establishment of the Trade Practices Commission and the Law Reform Commission. It's Time: Foreign Policy Initiatives A More Independent Foreign Policy Whitlam wanted a foreign policy independent from the UK and US. The policy was to express Australia's interests. He aimed to : o Distance Australia from the military commitments of the Vietnam war era o Overcome racist attitudes underlying our choice of allies o Enhance Australia's international reputation as a nation that valued tolerance and fought for justice. Whitlam wanted Australia to play an active role in international organisations and to support international agreements on environmental, heritage and human rights issues. Whitlam didn't want Australia to be a small country required powerful allies. He focused on the UN and peaceful conflict resolutions.

12 Relations with the US Whitlam's relationship with the US continued, by continuing to allow military base operations in Australia at Pine Gap,, Urunga and North-West Cape. He supported the US against New Zealand's suggestion of a nuclear free South Pacific. Whitlam pursued a more independent foreign policy with the US compared with his predecessors. The US recognised that Australia was becoming more critical and questioning in its attitudes to US policy. Relations were strained after Australia condemned the US bombing of Hanoi on Christmas 1972, with ALP members criticising and Whitlam writing a personal letter. The US government and the CIA didn't trust the Whitlam government, fearing security risks. In March 1973, the Canberra and Melbourne offices of ASIO were raided, permitted by Attorney General Lionel Murphy, which he claimed the right to see. The CIA didn't trust ASIO with any more intelligence from the US. The CIA also thought the deputy Prime Minister, Jim Cairns was a security risk. The overall relationship with the US was a strained one. One China Mao Zedong took control of mainland China in The Guomindang re-established on the island of Taiwan. In the Cold War, many countries followed the US in recognising the Guomindang as China's government. China as a communist nation wasn't recognised as the People's Republic of China (PRC). The US supported Taiwan from attack from China. Taiwan was the sole representative of China at the UN until Whitlam broke through Cold War attitudes and began a process of wider engagement with Asia. He believed that communism wasn't a similar threat to the Nazi's under Hitler. He began to improve relations with North Korea, North Vietnam and East Germany. Whitlam visited PRC in He promised to establish diplomatic relations with PRC if he took government. The Prime Minister at the time William McMahon didn't agree and wanted to keep Australia's attitude with that of other countries in the region. During the visit, Nixon announced the US intention to move towards diplomatic recognition of PRC. Nixon visited China in 1972, as a prelude to the US establishing diplomatic relations with PRC. Whitlam gave formal recognition to the PRC government, 24 years after they took office. He visited again in late 1973, meeting Mao Zedong. Australia supported PRC's push to be member of the UN. Dr Stephen Fitzgerald was Australia's ambassador to the embassy in Beijing. China also opened an embassy in Canberra. This diplomatic recognition opened up a new trading relationship with China. It began cultural exchange programs and increasing interest among Australians visiting China.

13 Granting Independence to Papua New Guinea (P&G) UK gave New Guinea to Australia in The UN gave Australia both Papua and New Guinea. P&G had a bad human rights record. Australia continued its trusteeship with P&G under the guise of paternalism UN wanted P&G to be independent. Australia gave P&G self-government in 1973 and independence in Human Rights Initiatives Whitlam wanted Australia's human rights initiatives to be in law and so it is inline with international standards. This will allow Australia to take a leadership role in Asia-Pacific region. Whitlam signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, early in his prime ministership. Over the next three years, he ratified, six other conventions and formally agreed to support another five human rights agreements, protocols and conventions. Whitlam wanted Australia to perform international duties as a member of the UN. He encouraged Australia to be involved in: o The World Health Organisation (WHO) o The International Labour Organisation (ILA) o The United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 was to commit Australia to the 1965 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, ratified on 30th September Other Changes Other foreign policy changes include: o Condemnation of the apartheid regime in South Africa - banned racially selected teams from South Africa and voted against South Africa at the UN o Australia spoke in favour of self-determination in Mozambique, Angola and Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). o Less focus of SEATO, and form a new forum including China and Japan. o Oppose French testing of nuclear weapons; Australia, New Zealand and Fiji successfully stopped France from testing atmospheric nuclear testing the International Court of Justice, but underground testing continued. o The national anthem changed, as a sign of further independence from the UK. o Introduction of the Order of Australia, intended to replace the existing system of imperial honours and the abolition of legal appeals to Britain's Privy Council. Whitlam's Foreign Policy Legacy He committed Australia to rethinking Australian foreign policy priorities. Sought to reconsider the foreign policy relationships of the past. Questioned the prejudices, fears, and discriminatory and racist attitudes, they often provided the framework for those policies. Embodied a self-confident Australia engaging with the world and its opportunities. Australian governments have continued to do so. Many of his policies continue underlie Australia's relations with other nations:

14 o Decisions about immigration are no longer based on race. o Australia actively promotes good relationships with China and the nations of South- East Asia. o Australia is growing increasingly independent of the UK, but not of the US. All prime ministers after Whitlam continue to pursue a foreign policy stance with Australia's relation with the US. After September 11, Australia joined the US-led coalition in its invasion of Iraq, to show Australia's support to the US. Whitlam's Significance for Australia History At about 1pm Tuesday 11th November 1975, Australia's Governor-General Sir John Kerr, sacked Gough Whitlam and his government. The Opposition leader at the time Malcolm Fraser was appointed caretaker Prime Minister until an election could be held. This was one of the most dramatic and controversial days in Australian history. The news stunned Australia itself and the media. A crowd gathered outside Canberra Parliament House wanting to see Whitlam. In a short statement, Whitlam was quoted as saying: "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." Across Australia, students and unionists protested the sacking and stormed the Liberal Party Headquarters. Whitlam's dismissal provoked intense and ongoing debate on whether the Governor General, whom nobody voted for, had the power to sack a government that was democratically elected. Many were happy as they saw Whitlam was mismanaging the economy. The Federal Election on the 13th December 1975 resulted in a landslide victory to the Liberal Party, who won 91 out of 127 seats. Labor won 36 seats. The defeat showed Australia's withdrawal of support, but many appreciated his contribution to Australia's post-war development. The Whitlam Government made a significant contribution to social reform and cultural awareness in Australia and to the nation's modernism. Whitlam was a charismatic leader who changed the way Australians though about themselves and put forward ne and important priorities for Australia's future. He emphasised issues that future governments couldn t possibly ignore. Domestically, he gave recognition to: o Arts o Education o The rights of Indigenous people o Migrants o Women Internationally, he: o Championed support of human rights o Conservation o The environment

15 o Development of a more independent foreign policy o Establishment of diplomatic ties with nations important to Australia o Removing discriminatory and prejudiced attitudes of his predecessors At the same time he: o Failed to establish a united ministry - ministers were often like "loose cannons" o Showed inexperience - this resulted from 23 years in Opposition o Failed to set priorities for economic expenditures and to allocate the time needed to this area of his government. This led to the ALP and subsequent governments to focus on establishing their credentials as good economic managers.