The Dismissal deniers
Next Tuesday marks the 50th anniversary of the day when governor-general Sir John Kerr legitimately used a constitutional power to break a political deadlock and secure Crown funds necessary for government operations.
For this, Sir John Kerr has faced relentless criticism during his life and even after his death.
Sir John Kerr did not deliver us from a grossly incompetent government. The people of Australia did that. Sir John Kerr simply gave them the opportunity to do so.
This outcome was a consequence, not the reason, for his decision.
Initially, the anniversary was expected to bring renewed criticism against Sir John Kerr. Unexpectedly, it has sparked a three-part attack: a new Whitlam biography, a Sky News Australia documentary, and a day-long event organized by the Museum of Australian Democracy, streamed live from Old Parliament House.
Chaired by Barrie Cassidy, the event features outspoken Kerr opponents such as journalists Paul Kelly, Troy Bramston, and academic Professor Jenny Hocking, with most participants aligned with Labor.
The anniversary is set to provoke intense debate around the parliamentary precinct on what many consider a solemn day.
Author's summary
The 50th anniversary of Sir John Kerr's dismissal power recalls ongoing fierce debates, with renewed partisan attacks overshadowing a moment of constitutional significance.
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