http://vcepolitics.com/dismissal/overview.shtml


Labor Party - elected 2 December 1972 - after 23 years of liberal/country coalition.
Whitlam was leader 'new style'. elected 1952, leader 1967. nearly won in 1969 with 17 seats.
Whitlam had a program of social reforms: (http://vcepolitics.com/dismissal/policies.shtml)
ended conscription and withdrew Australian troops from Vietnam 
implemented equal pay for women 
launched an inquiry into education and funded government and non-government schools on a needs basis 
established a separate ministry responsible for aboriginal affairs and supported the idea of land rights 
recast our foreign policy by withdrawing support for South Africa, recognising China, granting independence to Papua-New Guinea and distancing Australia from USA foreign policy 
abolished tertiary education fees and established the Tertiary Education Assistance Scheme 
increased pensions 
established a universal system of health insurance known as Medibank 
established controls on foreign ownership of Australian resources 
passed the Family Law Act, establishing no-fault divorce 
passed a series of laws banning racial and sexual discrimination 
extended maternity leave and benefits for single mothers 
sought to democratise the electoral system by introducing one-vote-one-value. 

However these drastic changes caused several things to happen:
High government spending and wage increase causing inflation
Unemployment increased
Political difficulties due to attempts to borrow from overseas.

Trebling of oil prices in the Middle East caused more inflation, causing economic difficulties for Whitlam's program.


This program started immediately after the winning of the election, with Whitlam and his deputy, Lance Barnard, running the government for 14 days before the full ministry took office.