The Dismissal of Gough Whitlam and the Australian Constitutional Crisis of 1975: When No One Knew the...

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Ian Killey Matt Harvey

The Dismissal of Gough Whitlam and the Australian Constitutional Crisis of 1975

When No One Knew the Rules

Ian Killey, Matt Harvey

$226

Hardback

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English

Lexington Books/Fortress Academic
26 February 2025

Constitution: government & the state; Constitutional & administrative law; Government powers

This is an exploration of the 1975 Australian constitutional crisis, in which Australia’s Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, was dismissed by its Governor-General, Sir John Kerr, using the vague and (to most people) unknown reserve powers of the Crown. By examining those events and their background, the constitutional and legal powers at play, the various explanations given for the dismissal (including claims that Kerr acted conspiratorially or followed instructions from either the Queen or the CIA), and the long-term political consequences, Killey sheds new light on a historic event in Australia’s constitutional history.

By: Ian Killey
Foreword by: Matt Harvey
Imprint: Lexington Books/Fortress Academic
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm,
Weight: 658g
ISBN: 9781666930320
ISBN 10: 1666930326
Pages: 336
Publication Date: 26 February 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Further / Higher Education
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Chapter 1: The 1975 Dismissal – Misplaced Rage? Chapter 2: The 1975 Crisis – Conflicting Theories Chapter 3: The 1975 Crisis – The Rules Chapter 4: 1975 – And the ALP Chapter 5: 1975 – The Supply Crisis Chapter 6: The Governor-General – And His Decision Chapter 7: The Dismissal – And November 11 Chapter 8: 1975 – And the Errors of Legal Advisers Chapter 9: 1975 – And the Errors of Kerr Chapter 10: 1975 – And the Errors of Whitlam Chapter 11: 1975 – And the Errors of the Conspiracy Theorists Chapter 12: 1975 – Was 1975 a Local “Coup”? Chapter 13: 1975 – The Devil is in the Details

Ian Killey PSM is an experienced Australian public lawyer.

Reviews for The Dismissal of Gough Whitlam and the Australian Constitutional Crisis of 1975: When No One Knew the Rules

The removal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam by the Governor-General in 1975 has generated a great deal of popular and academic commentary. Ian Killey's book presents an original and intriguing analysis of the Dismissal and the relevant constitutional principles. He argues that none of the key figures involved properly understood constitutional conventions, responsible government and the reserved powers. Killey is an expert in constitutional law and unwritten constitutional rules. This book enriches our understanding of the Dismissal, and it provides clarity in current debates about codifying constitutional conventions, whether Australia should become a republic, and other potential changes to the Constitution.-- ""Bill Swannie, Australian Catholic University""