The Dismissal Deniers
Next Tuesday marks the 50th anniversary of the day when Governor-General Sir John Kerr lawfully exercised a constitutional power to resolve a political deadlock and ensure the Crown had the funds to maintain government operations. Despite acting within his authority, Sir John has faced relentless criticism even after his death.
It is important to state clearly that Sir John Kerr did not remove an incompetent government—Australians did when given the chance. His decision merely created that opportunity, and this outcome was a consequence, not the intent, of his actions.
“Sir John Kerr simply gave them the opportunity to do so. And more importantly, that was a by-product of – not the motivation for – his decision.”
I expected this anniversary to prompt renewed criticism of Kerr, but not in the form of a coordinated triptych: a new biography of Gough Whitlam, a Sky News Australia documentary, and a large-scale event by the Museum of Australian Democracy streamed from Old Parliament House.
The latter event, chaired by Barrie Cassidy, features strongly partisan figures including journalists Paul Kelly and Troy Bramston, and academic Jenny Hocking—longtime critics of Kerr. Most participants are affiliated with Labor, so the discussions are certain to be charged with political tension.
“You can imagine the sound and fury that will engulf the parliamentary triangle on this otherwise sacred day.”
Author’s Summary
The author defends Sir John Kerr’s constitutional decision in 1975 and anticipates partisan criticism at the 50th anniversary commemorations.