On Friday 2nd December 2022 and in memory of the 50th anniversary of Labor’s 1972 federal election victory, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited a local Cabramatta home located at 32 Albert Street which was once the home of Gough Whitlam, previous leader of the Labor party. Whitlam, through Labor’s win, became the Australian Prime Minister who was a giant in social reforms until his famous “dismissal”, by Governor General Sir John Kerr in 1975.
The house on Albert Street was owned by Gough Whitlam and his wife Margaret from 1956 until 1978 which included his time as Prime Minister, in particular the night of his political win when a large crowd of supporters gathered along with media as Gough was filmed giving a press release from his living room after bringing an end to over 20 years of Coalition rule.
However, regardless of the politics of Gough Whitlam, whom to this day still split the community as to whether he was good for the nation or not, the man is an important part of our nation’s history and his residence at the time does have both historical and cultural significance. Sadly though, after the Whitlam’s moved out in 1977 and the home passed on into private ownership it fell into disrepair. Although the basic structure and features remained intact.
Last year, the Coalition government committed $1.3 million to the Whitlam Institute, part of Western Sydney University, to oversee the restoration of the premises and to turn it into a museum open to the public. Ben Morton Liberal MP, who had been Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet at that time, referred to the building’s importance saying:
“The home is an indelible part of Australia’s history, and it should be preserved and treasured for future generations.”
During Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit he clearly gave his support for the project saying,
“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.”
“It is a very proud moment to be here for this restoration and the preservation, for all time, of a part of Australia’s history.
“And it is important that we recognise our history, that we preserve it, and that we honour it for all Australians. And the Whitlam Institute and Western Sydney University will be able to do that into the future.”
Mr Whitlam passed away on 21st October 2014 at the age of 98.
In addition to his political career, Gough Whitlam shall be remembered for his service in defence of our nation during WW2 from 1941 to 1945 where he served as an Air navigator with the rank of Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Air Force, No. 13 Squadron.
