Historical information

Photograph: Gough Whitlam and Betty Borchers at Trades Hall

Gough Whitlam was Australian Prime Minister from 1972 to 1975. The Whitlam government was a reformist government that introduced Medibank, the end of conscription, and free university education. His government was dismissed (parliament was dissolved) on 11 November 1975 by the Governor General Sir John Kerr owing to parliament's failure to pass Appropriation Bills. Malcolm Fraser was appointed as caretaker Prime Minister until an election was held. At the 1975 election, the Whitlam government was defeated by the Liberal Coalition - a landslide victory.

Betty Borchers worked as a legal secretary. She was active in the Ballarat ALP and is the wife of Norm Borchers.

Physical description

Photograph