The Dismissal Deniers
Next Tuesday marks the 50th anniversary of the day when governor-general Sir John Kerr lawfully exercised a constitutional power to break a political deadlock and secure funds necessary for the Crown to govern. Despite the legitimacy of his action, Sir John Kerr has faced relentless criticism, both during his life and posthumously.
Clarifying Sir John Kerr’s Role
It is important to emphasize that Sir John Kerr did not remove a grossly incompetent government; rather, the Australian people ultimately made that decision. Kerr’s intervention simply created the opportunity for change. Crucially, this outcome was a consequence—not the intention—of his choice.
Anticipating the Anniversary Reactions
This milestone was expected to revive attacks on Kerr, but the scale of criticism has been surprising. It includes a new biography of Whitlam, a Sky News Australia documentary, and a full-day event organized by the Museum of Australian Democracy, streamed live from Old Parliament House.
Event and Participants
- The event is chaired by Barrie Cassidy
- Participants include journalists Paul Kelly and Troy Bramston, and academic Professor Jenny Hocking
- Many involved are strongly aligned with Labor and opposed to Kerr
"So, you can imagine the sound and fury that will engulf the parliamentary triangle on this otherwise sacred day."
This anniversary highlights the enduring controversy surrounding Sir John Kerr’s decision and the deeply divided opinions about his legacy.
Author’s summary: The 50th anniversary of Sir John Kerr’s dismissal power reveals ongoing fierce debates, with critics dominating the conversation despite the constitutional legitimacy of his act.