Dimensions
155 x 235 x 27mm
The dismissal of the Whitlam Government on 11 November, 1975 was the most dramatic event in Australian political history.
The first Labor government in 23 years had been elected in a climate of great hope and optimism in 1972, with a large popular mandate for reform. Yet the fledgling reform government met with relentless opposition from powerful forces in the parliament, the media, business, and the bureaucracy. Under sustained pressure from outside and its own internal instability, the government's early promise degenerated into scandal and turmoil, culminating in its dismissal by the governor-general.
Michael Sexton witnessed the Whitlam government's slide to destruction first-hand, from the federal attorney-general's office. To mark the thirtieth anniversary of the dismissal, he revisits the major themes of 1975 and describes how various interest groups set out to derail its reform agenda and ultimately, to drive it from office. Importantly, he uses the lessons of 1972-1975 to analyse the nature of the political process and the potential for change in Australia.
Originally published in 1979 as Illusions of Power, this revised and updated edition is a brilliant examination of power. Written with clarity and extraordinary insight, 'The Great Crash' is also a fascinating political story that is still relevant to this day.
