Gough Whitlam’s government launched new era for Australia: Anthony Albanese

The election of Gough Whitlam 50 years ago opened a new era for Australia, Anthony Albanese will say at the opening of the former PM’s home to the public on Friday.

Gough Whitlam’s family home, at 32 Albert Street, Cabramatta, in southwest Sydney. will be preserved as a museum and learning centre.

The election of Gough Whitlam’s government 50 years ago ­heralded a new age that uplifted Australia’s horizons and liberated its talents, and continues to ­inspire his government, Anthony Albanese will say at the opening of Whitlam’s former home to the public on Friday.

“Today is the anniversary of a famous victory,” the Prime Minister will say. “But what this day in Australian history marks – above all else – is the beginning of a new era. Because when Gough Whitlam walked out the door of 32 ­Albert Street for the first time as prime minister-elect, he was taking the first steps on a journey of reform and change. The beginning of delivering a legacy that lives around us – inspires us, guides us and teaches us.”

Mr Albanese’s speech, provided to The Australian, marks the anniversary of the election of the Labor government on ­December 2, 1972. The Prime Minister will use the speech to pay tribute to Whitlam as an advocate for the suburbs who responded to the needs and aspirations of ­Australians.

“Gough was the first great prime ministerial champion of the suburbs,” Mr Albanese will say. “He was a passionate advocate for citizens in new and growing communities, for their right to enjoy the same opportunities and be served by the same amenities as Australians in the inner city.”

“He understood the message a government sends to people when it invests in their housing, their infrastructure, their education and their quality of life: a statement of respect for their ­aspirations, a statement of belief in their potential. It is a truth every Labor government has honoured and held to since. The understanding that government derives its power from the people – and proves its value by serving the people. By converting the promises of a ­campaign into the progress of a nation.”

The Whitlam family home, at 32 Albert Street, Cabramatta, will be preserved as a museum and learning centre run by The Whitlam Institute at Western Sydney University. People will be able to visit the home for tours and events.

Anthony Albanese will says ‘Gough was the first great prime ministerial champion of the suburbs’. Picture: Martin Ollman

“A great nation such as ours preserves its treasures,” Mr Albanese will say. “Honours our legends. Celebrates our history. And commemorates the places where that history was made.

“Fifty years ago, people all over Australia voted to change the direction of our nation. After 23 years of torpor, drift and decay, Australians voted for a program of transformation, modernisation and reform.

“A vision to renew our sense of fairness, purpose and progress: in education, healthcare and justice. To re-imagine our place in the world and our role in our region. To reconcile with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To assert the equality of women, in our laws, our society and our economy. To ‘liberate the talents and uplift the horizons’ of our ­nation.”

The southwest Sydney home was purchased at auction by Labor elders, led by former NSW premier Barrie Unsworth, for $1.15m last year. They formed the Whitlam Heritage Home Fund to facilitate the purchase. Mr Unsworth told The Australian it was essential the home be preserved given its status in Australian political history.

The Morrison government pledged $1.3m to Western Sydney University to purchase and repair the house. The home is now in the custody of The Whitlam Institute. Remedial works have been carried out at the 670sq m home and it has been restored to its 1970s appearance.

Gough and Margaret Whitlam purchased the home in 1956 and lived there from 1957 to 1978, during his time as Labor leader (1967-77) and prime minister (1972-75), apart from when living at The Lodge or Kirribilli House. It was where Whitlam claimed his election victory in December 1972, live on television from the lounge room, surrounded by friends, neighbours, campaign workers and journalists.

“This is the place where Gough first took up the weight of history – and first knew the great privilege of office,” Mr Albanese will say. “The responsibility and opportunity of government that Whitlam understood so well, the chance to change the nation for the better. This may be the house Gough lived in – but all of us live in the Australia he helped to build.”

The opening is expected to be attended by son Nicholas and daughter Catherine, their families, and local, state and federal politicians. The Prime Minister will also speak at a Labor dinner at the motel where Whitlam watched the election results before returning home 50 years ago.