The dismissal of the Whitlam government by the Governor-General Sir John Kerr in 1975 remains one of the most contentious episodes in Australian politics. The history of the dismissal is no less contentious and has never been settled.
Now Jenny Hocking is pursuing the release of the ‘Palace letters’, correspondence between Kerr and the Queen, her private secretary and Prince Charles regarding the dismissal, through a Federal Court action against the National Archives of Australia. The Palace letters are embargoed on the instruction of the Queen until at least 2027, and potentially indefinitely.
In the 2017 Lionel Murphy Memorial Lecture, Professor Jenny Hocking asks: Why would the Queen need protecting from an Australian political issue? What are the implications of this for our national autonomy as a constitutional monarchy? What did the Palace know about the dismissal? And why is the Queen refusing to lift her embargo on the Palace letters? Here for the first time, Jenny Hocking will discuss the latest revelations from the archives and will reveal the final piece in the secret history of the dismissal of the Whitlam government – the Palace connection.
This event is free, and you can register here.
Jenny Hocking author photo copyright Janusz Molinski Photography.
Mon 20 October at 7:00PM
Berkelouw Paddington, 19 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia
Join us for an exciting evening at Berkelouw Paddington, as we celebrate the release of 58 Facets by Marika Sosnowski.
Wed 08 October at 10:00AM
Croydon Library, 5 Civic Square, Croydon VIC 3136
Join us for an exciting morning at Croydon Library, as we discuss Beyond Green by Lesley Head.
Thu 09 October at 6:00PM
Readings Carlton , 309 Lygon Street, Carlton VIC 3053
Join us for an exciting evening at Readings Carlton, as we celebrate the launch of 58 Facets by Marika Sosnowski.
Wed 22 October at 6:00PM
Avid Reader, 193 Boundary Street, West End QLD 4101
Join us for an exciting evening at Avid Reader, as we celebrate the launch of 58 Facets by Marika Sosnowski.
Sun 12 October at 4:00PM
Brisbane Powerhouse, Pleasuredome, 119 Lamington St, New Farm QLD 4005
Join us for an exciting afternoon at Brisbane Writers Festival, as we discuss Turbulence by Clinton Fernandes.
Sun 12 October at 5:30PM
Brisbane Powerhouse, Pleasuredome, 119 Lamington St, New Farm QLD 4005
Join us for an exciting evening at Brisbane Writers Festival, as we discuss Nation, Memory, Myth by Steve Vizard.
