A question asked on the web is “who was the worst person in Australian history?”

It’s a difficult question to answer because Australia doesn’t have villains of the calibre of those from many other countries such as Russia, America, France, China, Germany, Rwanda, etc.

Sure we’ve had our collection of bushrangers, serial killers, military killers, organisers of uprisings, organised crime and the occasional pedophile, but those are all bit-part players. Bligh wasn’t a bad chap.

Trying to think outside the box. Perhaps the worst Australian in history was The Right Honourable Sir Joseph Cook KCMG.

He committed Australia to sending troops against Turkey in World War I. Resulting in the death of 8,700 Australians and wounding of 18,500. An impressive total by Australian standards.

I’ve had a brief look at whether perhaps someone else was more responsible, but didn’t find a better candidate.

mollwollfumble said:

A question asked on the web is “who was the worst person in Australian history?”

It’s a difficult question to answer because Australia doesn’t have villains of the calibre of those from many other countries such as Russia, America, France, China, Germany, Rwanda, etc.

Sure we’ve had our collection of bushrangers, serial killers, military killers, organisers of uprisings, organised crime and the occasional pedophile, but those are all bit-part players. Bligh wasn’t a bad chap.

Trying to think outside the box. Perhaps the worst Australian in history was The Right Honourable Sir Joseph Cook KCMG.

He committed Australia to sending troops against Turkey in World War I. Resulting in the death of 8,700 Australians and wounding of 18,500. An impressive total by Australian standards.

I’ve had a brief look at whether perhaps someone else was more responsible, but didn’t find a better candidate.

A prime minister(s) who committed Australian troops to illegal wars that resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians.

Cymek said:

mollwollfumble said:

A question asked on the web is “who was the worst person in Australian history?”

It’s a difficult question to answer because Australia doesn’t have villains of the calibre of those from many other countries such as Russia, America, France, China, Germany, Rwanda, etc.

Sure we’ve had our collection of bushrangers, serial killers, military killers, organisers of uprisings, organised crime and the occasional pedophile, but those are all bit-part players. Bligh wasn’t a bad chap.

Trying to think outside the box. Perhaps the worst Australian in history was The Right Honourable Sir Joseph Cook KCMG.

He committed Australia to sending troops against Turkey in World War I. Resulting in the death of 8,700 Australians and wounding of 18,500. An impressive total by Australian standards.

I’ve had a brief look at whether perhaps someone else was more responsible, but didn’t find a better candidate.

A prime minister(s) who committed Australian troops to illegal wars that resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians.

WMD

sarahs mum said:

Cymek said:

mollwollfumble said:

A question asked on the web is “who was the worst person in Australian history?”

It’s a difficult question to answer because Australia doesn’t have villains of the calibre of those from many other countries such as Russia, America, France, China, Germany, Rwanda, etc.

Sure we’ve had our collection of bushrangers, serial killers, military killers, organisers of uprisings, organised crime and the occasional pedophile, but those are all bit-part players. Bligh wasn’t a bad chap.

Trying to think outside the box. Perhaps the worst Australian in history was The Right Honourable Sir Joseph Cook KCMG.

He committed Australia to sending troops against Turkey in World War I. Resulting in the death of 8,700 Australians and wounding of 18,500. An impressive total by Australian standards.

I’ve had a brief look at whether perhaps someone else was more responsible, but didn’t find a better candidate.

A prime minister(s) who committed Australian troops to illegal wars that resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians.

WMD

One wonders what information the public aren’t privy to that would paint a former prime minister in a very bad light.
eg Iraq or Afghanistan and civilians deaths the world in general have no information about.
We’d be small potatoes but complicit but not calling out the USA for doing so.

Pig iron Bob?

Some honourable mentions:

Kenneth Snodgrass, acting Gov of NSW, who effectively commisioned the Waterloo Creek massacre and other smaller atrocities.

And his predecessor, Bourke:

In 1835, Bourke issued a proclamation through the Colonial Office, implementing the doctrine of terra nullius by proclaiming that Indigenous Australians could not sell or assign land, nor could an individual person acquire it, other than through distribution by the Crown. This proclamation, which effectively deprived indigenous Australians of legal recognition as land owners under colonial law, was prompted by an exploitative attempt to acquire land from local people, under a private treaty, Batman’s Treaty.

Governor Gipps, who took over from Snodgrass, did at least treat the massacres as crimes and prosecuted them accordingly, and tried to maintain some kind of balance.

the granny killer was not an ideal housemate and those brothers responsible for anita cobby’s demise are a waste of space imo

It’s a toss up between Ivan Milatt and Gough Whitlam.

It’s Dan Andrews, isn’t it?

This critter would make the short list.

fsm said:

LOLOLOLOL

Bubblecar said:

This critter would make the short list.

That’s an excellent candidate.
I’d also nominate Bob Menzies, who was the prime instigator of the British atomic bombs tests at Maralinga, etc. He allowed the Poms to do pretty much whatever they wanted and with near-zero regard to the radioactive fallout. The clouds covered a great deal of eastern Australia in the 1950’s, so anyone around there would have received a bit of a dosh of radioactivity. His actions allowed for thousands of bones from deceased infants to be sent back to the UK for testing to see how much radiation they’d received, even up into the early 70’s. And the vast majority of the parents never knew about it happening.
The military was pressed into taking samples from the radioactive clouds shortly after the explosions. Some aircrews were detailed to fly through the still-rising clouds shortly after the test in Lancaster bombers, which had absolutely zero protection against the dust and particles that flooded the interior of the aircraft.
Thousands of lives were shortened from that, and the damage continues to be passed on through the generations.

Spiny Norman said:

Bubblecar said:

This critter would make the short list.

That’s an excellent candidate.
I’d also nominate Bob Menzies, who was the prime instigator of the British atomic bombs tests at Maralinga, etc. He allowed the Poms to do pretty much whatever they wanted and with near-zero regard to the radioactive fallout. The clouds covered a great deal of eastern Australia in the 1950’s, so anyone around there would have received a bit of a dosh of radioactivity. His actions allowed for thousands of bones from deceased infants to be sent back to the UK for testing to see how much radiation they’d received, even up into the early 70’s. And the vast majority of the parents never knew about it happening.
The military was pressed into taking samples from the radioactive clouds shortly after the explosions. Some aircrews were detailed to fly through the still-rising clouds shortly after the test in Lancaster bombers, which had absolutely zero protection against the dust and particles that flooded the interior of the aircraft.
Thousands of lives were shortened from that, and the damage continues to be passed on through the generations.

Probably Menzies

His bad behaviour extends over his entire life

Menzies resigned from the army ( reserve ?) the day ww1 was declared. He was too important to go to war.

Back in the old days it would have been Brendon

Peak Warming Man said:

It’s a toss up between Ivan Milatt and Gough Whitlam.

Why would you put those two in the same sentence?

Spiny Norman said:

Bubblecar said:

This critter would make the short list.

That’s an excellent candidate.
I’d also nominate Bob Menzies, who was the prime instigator of the British atomic bombs tests at Maralinga, etc. He allowed the Poms to do pretty much whatever they wanted and with near-zero regard to the radioactive fallout. The clouds covered a great deal of eastern Australia in the 1950’s, so anyone around there would have received a bit of a dosh of radioactivity. His actions allowed for thousands of bones from deceased infants to be sent back to the UK for testing to see how much radiation they’d received, even up into the early 70’s. And the vast majority of the parents never knew about it happening.
The military was pressed into taking samples from the radioactive clouds shortly after the explosions. Some aircrews were detailed to fly through the still-rising clouds shortly after the test in Lancaster bombers, which had absolutely zero protection against the dust and particles that flooded the interior of the aircraft.
Thousands of lives were shortened from that, and the damage continues to be passed on through the generations.

Another name for him was indeed pig iron Bob. He sent the iron to Japan to send back at us in the form of bombs.

Dropbear said:

Back in the old days it would have been Brendon

Is that a person¿

SCIENCE said:

Dropbear said:

Back in the old days it would have been Brendon

Is that a person¿

He said he was.

roughbarked said:

SCIENCE said:

Dropbear said:

Back in the old days it would have been Brendon

Is that a person¿

He said he was.

I have observational evidence that he was a real person.

Still is afaik.

roughbarked said:

Peak Warming Man said:

It’s a toss up between Ivan Milatt and Gough Whitlam.

Why would you put those two in the same sentence?

Gough Whitlam:

• introduced Medibank, the ancestor of Medicare, as Australia’s first national health insurance system. It began operating on July 1, 1975.

• abolished university fees from January 1, 1974.

• announced a royal commission into Aboriginal land rights under Justice Woodward.

The findings of the royal commission led to the drafting of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and the establishment of an elected National Aboriginal Consultative Committee.

In his first month in office, Whitlam established the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

In 1975, he handed the Gurindji people at Wattie Creek in the Northern Territory title deeds to part of their traditional lands.

• In January 1973, Whitlam re-opened the Australian embassy in Beijing, resuming diplomatic relations after 24 years.

• first prime minister to visit the People’s Republic of China in October 1973, having earlier led a Labor delegation in opposition. Whitlam’s engagement with China came before US President Richard Nixon initiated the thawing of relations between the superpowers.

• Made ‘Advance Australia Fair’ the official national anthem on April 8, 1974.

• led a government which set a goal to leave no urban home unsewered. The Whitlam government gave grants directly to local government units for urban renewal, flood prevention, and the promotion of tourism.

• introduced Federal grants financing highways linking the state capitals.

• quickly abolished conscription and released all conscientious objectors from jail.

• accelerated the process of withdrawal from Vietnam which had begun in 1970 under Liberal prime minister John Gorton and his successor Billy McMahon announced additional troop withdrawals.

• doubled funding to the arts in a year and created the Australia Council for the Arts, which is still operating today.

• pushed forward with the creation of the National Gallery in Canberra with the first purchases of art.

• introduced “no fault divorces” through the Family Law Act 1975.

• set in train a national Family Court was set in train (not established until 1976 under Malcolm Fraser).

• removed sales tax from contraceptives.

• brought in the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, ratifying a United Nations convention that, although signed by Australia, had remained unratified for nine years.

• scuppered plans to allow drilling for oil on the Great Barrier Reef.

• introduced environmental protection legislation and the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service in 1974 .

Name a ‘conservative’ PM/govt which achieved half as much in the same time as Whitlam was permitted.

captain_spalding said:

roughbarked said:

Peak Warming Man said:

It’s a toss up between Ivan Milatt and Gough Whitlam.

Why would you put those two in the same sentence?

Gough Whitlam:

• introduced Medibank, the ancestor of Medicare, as Australia’s first national health insurance system. It began operating on July 1, 1975.

…

…

But in answer to the question, to annoy people of non-right political persuasion of course.

captain_spalding said:

roughbarked said:

Peak Warming Man said:

It’s a toss up between Ivan Milatt and Gough Whitlam.

Why would you put those two in the same sentence?

Gough Whitlam:

• introduced Medibank, the ancestor of Medicare, as Australia’s first national health insurance system. It began operating on July 1, 1975.

• abolished university fees from January 1, 1974.

• announced a royal commission into Aboriginal land rights under Justice Woodward.

The findings of the royal commission led to the drafting of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and the establishment of an elected National Aboriginal Consultative Committee.

In his first month in office, Whitlam established the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

In 1975, he handed the Gurindji people at Wattie Creek in the Northern Territory title deeds to part of their traditional lands.

• In January 1973, Whitlam re-opened the Australian embassy in Beijing, resuming diplomatic relations after 24 years.

• first prime minister to visit the People’s Republic of China in October 1973, having earlier led a Labor delegation in opposition. Whitlam’s engagement with China came before US President Richard Nixon initiated the thawing of relations between the superpowers.

• Made ‘Advance Australia Fair’ the official national anthem on April 8, 1974.

• led a government which set a goal to leave no urban home unsewered. The Whitlam government gave grants directly to local government units for urban renewal, flood prevention, and the promotion of tourism.

• introduced Federal grants financing highways linking the state capitals.

• quickly abolished conscription and released all conscientious objectors from jail.

• accelerated the process of withdrawal from Vietnam which had begun in 1970 under Liberal prime minister John Gorton and his successor Billy McMahon announced additional troop withdrawals.

• doubled funding to the arts in a year and created the Australia Council for the Arts, which is still operating today.

• pushed forward with the creation of the National Gallery in Canberra with the first purchases of art.

• introduced “no fault divorces” through the Family Law Act 1975.

• set in train a national Family Court was set in train (not established until 1976 under Malcolm Fraser).

• removed sales tax from contraceptives.

• brought in the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, ratifying a United Nations convention that, although signed by Australia, had remained unratified for nine years.

• scuppered plans to allow drilling for oil on the Great Barrier Reef.

• introduced environmental protection legislation and the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service in 1974 .

Name a ‘conservative’ PM/govt which achieved half as much in the same time as Whitlam was permitted.

He had a lot of things he had thought about and I think he knew he wouldn’t have long. So he got on with doing.

buffy said:

captain_spalding said:

roughbarked said:

Why would you put those two in the same sentence?

Gough Whitlam:

• introduced Medibank, the ancestor of Medicare, as Australia’s first national health insurance system. It began operating on July 1, 1975.

• abolished university fees from January 1, 1974.

• announced a royal commission into Aboriginal land rights under Justice Woodward.

The findings of the royal commission led to the drafting of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and the establishment of an elected National Aboriginal Consultative Committee.

In his first month in office, Whitlam established the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

In 1975, he handed the Gurindji people at Wattie Creek in the Northern Territory title deeds to part of their traditional lands.

• In January 1973, Whitlam re-opened the Australian embassy in Beijing, resuming diplomatic relations after 24 years.

• first prime minister to visit the People’s Republic of China in October 1973, having earlier led a Labor delegation in opposition. Whitlam’s engagement with China came before US President Richard Nixon initiated the thawing of relations between the superpowers.

• Made ‘Advance Australia Fair’ the official national anthem on April 8, 1974.

• led a government which set a goal to leave no urban home unsewered. The Whitlam government gave grants directly to local government units for urban renewal, flood prevention, and the promotion of tourism.

• introduced Federal grants financing highways linking the state capitals.

• quickly abolished conscription and released all conscientious objectors from jail.

• accelerated the process of withdrawal from Vietnam which had begun in 1970 under Liberal prime minister John Gorton and his successor Billy McMahon announced additional troop withdrawals.

• doubled funding to the arts in a year and created the Australia Council for the Arts, which is still operating today.

• pushed forward with the creation of the National Gallery in Canberra with the first purchases of art.

• introduced “no fault divorces” through the Family Law Act 1975.

• set in train a national Family Court was set in train (not established until 1976 under Malcolm Fraser).

• removed sales tax from contraceptives.

• brought in the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, ratifying a United Nations convention that, although signed by Australia, had remained unratified for nine years.

• scuppered plans to allow drilling for oil on the Great Barrier Reef.

• introduced environmental protection legislation and the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service in 1974 .

Name a ‘conservative’ PM/govt which achieved half as much in the same time as Whitlam was permitted.

He had a lot of things he had thought about and I think he knew he wouldn’t have long. So he got on with doing.

Too socialist I assume

The Rev Dodgson said:

roughbarked said:

SCIENCE said:

Is that a person¿

He said he was.

I have observational evidence that he was a real person.

Still is afaik.

I saw pictures.

captain_spalding said:

roughbarked said:

Peak Warming Man said:

It’s a toss up between Ivan Milatt and Gough Whitlam.

Why would you put those two in the same sentence?

Gough Whitlam:

• introduced Medibank, the ancestor of Medicare, as Australia’s first national health insurance system. It began operating on July 1, 1975.

• abolished university fees from January 1, 1974.

• announced a royal commission into Aboriginal land rights under Justice Woodward.

The findings of the royal commission led to the drafting of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and the establishment of an elected National Aboriginal Consultative Committee.

In his first month in office, Whitlam established the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

In 1975, he handed the Gurindji people at Wattie Creek in the Northern Territory title deeds to part of their traditional lands.

• In January 1973, Whitlam re-opened the Australian embassy in Beijing, resuming diplomatic relations after 24 years.

• first prime minister to visit the People’s Republic of China in October 1973, having earlier led a Labor delegation in opposition. Whitlam’s engagement with China came before US President Richard Nixon initiated the thawing of relations between the superpowers.

• Made ‘Advance Australia Fair’ the official national anthem on April 8, 1974.

• led a government which set a goal to leave no urban home unsewered. The Whitlam government gave grants directly to local government units for urban renewal, flood prevention, and the promotion of tourism.

• introduced Federal grants financing highways linking the state capitals.

• quickly abolished conscription and released all conscientious objectors from jail.

• accelerated the process of withdrawal from Vietnam which had begun in 1970 under Liberal prime minister John Gorton and his successor Billy McMahon announced additional troop withdrawals.

• doubled funding to the arts in a year and created the Australia Council for the Arts, which is still operating today.

• pushed forward with the creation of the National Gallery in Canberra with the first purchases of art.

• introduced “no fault divorces” through the Family Law Act 1975.

• set in train a national Family Court was set in train (not established until 1976 under Malcolm Fraser).

• removed sales tax from contraceptives.

• brought in the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, ratifying a United Nations convention that, although signed by Australia, had remained unratified for nine years.

• scuppered plans to allow drilling for oil on the Great Barrier Reef.

• introduced environmental protection legislation and the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service in 1974 .

Name a ‘conservative’ PM/govt which achieved half as much in the same time as Whitlam was permitted.

Well reported good sir.

The Rev Dodgson said:

captain_spalding said:

roughbarked said:

Why would you put those two in the same sentence?

Gough Whitlam:

• introduced Medibank, the ancestor of Medicare, as Australia’s first national health insurance system. It began operating on July 1, 1975.

…

…

But in answer to the question, to annoy people of non-right political persuasion of course.

It’s not right I tell ya.

Cymek said:

buffy said:

captain_spalding said:

Gough Whitlam:

• introduced Medibank, the ancestor of Medicare, as Australia’s first national health insurance system. It began operating on July 1, 1975.

• abolished university fees from January 1, 1974.

• announced a royal commission into Aboriginal land rights under Justice Woodward.

The findings of the royal commission led to the drafting of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and the establishment of an elected National Aboriginal Consultative Committee.

In his first month in office, Whitlam established the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

In 1975, he handed the Gurindji people at Wattie Creek in the Northern Territory title deeds to part of their traditional lands.

• In January 1973, Whitlam re-opened the Australian embassy in Beijing, resuming diplomatic relations after 24 years.

• first prime minister to visit the People’s Republic of China in October 1973, having earlier led a Labor delegation in opposition. Whitlam’s engagement with China came before US President Richard Nixon initiated the thawing of relations between the superpowers.

• Made ‘Advance Australia Fair’ the official national anthem on April 8, 1974.

• led a government which set a goal to leave no urban home unsewered. The Whitlam government gave grants directly to local government units for urban renewal, flood prevention, and the promotion of tourism.

• introduced Federal grants financing highways linking the state capitals.

• quickly abolished conscription and released all conscientious objectors from jail.

• accelerated the process of withdrawal from Vietnam which had begun in 1970 under Liberal prime minister John Gorton and his successor Billy McMahon announced additional troop withdrawals.

• doubled funding to the arts in a year and created the Australia Council for the Arts, which is still operating today.

• pushed forward with the creation of the National Gallery in Canberra with the first purchases of art.

• introduced “no fault divorces” through the Family Law Act 1975.

• set in train a national Family Court was set in train (not established until 1976 under Malcolm Fraser).

• removed sales tax from contraceptives.

• brought in the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, ratifying a United Nations convention that, although signed by Australia, had remained unratified for nine years.

• scuppered plans to allow drilling for oil on the Great Barrier Reef.

• introduced environmental protection legislation and the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service in 1974 .

Name a ‘conservative’ PM/govt which achieved half as much in the same time as Whitlam was permitted.

He had a lot of things he had thought about and I think he knew he wouldn’t have long. So he got on with doing.

Too socialist I assume

It was all something of a big shock to large parts of Australian society.

While just about everyone felt that it was definitely time for a change after literally decades of Liberal/Country Party government, a lot of people were not prepared for the flood of innovation and catch-up that the ALP had been storing up throughout the years.

It was overwhelming for many, a lot more than they expected after years and years of sedentary plodding under the L/CP, and some couldn’t believe that so much could be done so quickly. With their ideas on government severely shaken, there was people who were willing to listen to the L/CP’s distortions, fabrications, and exaggerations in 1975 without demanding too much in the way of explanation or evidence.

buffy said:

captain_spalding said:

roughbarked said:

Why would you put those two in the same sentence?

Gough Whitlam:

• introduced Medibank, the ancestor of Medicare, as Australia’s first national health insurance system. It began operating on July 1, 1975.

• abolished university fees from January 1, 1974.

• announced a royal commission into Aboriginal land rights under Justice Woodward.

The findings of the royal commission led to the drafting of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and the establishment of an elected National Aboriginal Consultative Committee.

In his first month in office, Whitlam established the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

In 1975, he handed the Gurindji people at Wattie Creek in the Northern Territory title deeds to part of their traditional lands.

• In January 1973, Whitlam re-opened the Australian embassy in Beijing, resuming diplomatic relations after 24 years.

• first prime minister to visit the People’s Republic of China in October 1973, having earlier led a Labor delegation in opposition. Whitlam’s engagement with China came before US President Richard Nixon initiated the thawing of relations between the superpowers.

• Made ‘Advance Australia Fair’ the official national anthem on April 8, 1974.

• led a government which set a goal to leave no urban home unsewered. The Whitlam government gave grants directly to local government units for urban renewal, flood prevention, and the promotion of tourism.

• introduced Federal grants financing highways linking the state capitals.

• quickly abolished conscription and released all conscientious objectors from jail.

• accelerated the process of withdrawal from Vietnam which had begun in 1970 under Liberal prime minister John Gorton and his successor Billy McMahon announced additional troop withdrawals.

• doubled funding to the arts in a year and created the Australia Council for the Arts, which is still operating today.

• pushed forward with the creation of the National Gallery in Canberra with the first purchases of art.

• introduced “no fault divorces” through the Family Law Act 1975.

• set in train a national Family Court was set in train (not established until 1976 under Malcolm Fraser).

• removed sales tax from contraceptives.

• brought in the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, ratifying a United Nations convention that, although signed by Australia, had remained unratified for nine years.

• scuppered plans to allow drilling for oil on the Great Barrier Reef.

• introduced environmental protection legislation and the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service in 1974 .

Name a ‘conservative’ PM/govt which achieved half as much in the same time as Whitlam was permitted.

He had a lot of things he had thought about and I think he knew he wouldn’t have long. So he got on with doing.

This is true.

roughbarked said:

captain_spalding said:

roughbarked said:

Why would you put those two in the same sentence?

Gough Whitlam:

• In January 1973, Whitlam re-opened the Australian embassy in Beijing, resuming diplomatic relations after 24 years.

• first prime minister to visit the People’s Republic of China in October 1973, having earlier led a Labor delegation in opposition. Whitlam’s engagement with China came before US President Richard Nixon initiated the thawing of relations between the superpowers.

• accelerated the process of withdrawal from Vietnam which had begun in 1970 under Liberal prime minister John Gorton and his successor Billy McMahon announced additional troop withdrawals.

Well reported good sir.

So he basically spent his time supporting human-rights-violating communist regimes, thumbing his nose at the beacon nay paragon of free democracy that is the USSA, what a bastard.

captain_spalding said:

Cymek said:

buffy said:

He had a lot of things he had thought about and I think he knew he wouldn’t have long. So he got on with doing.

Too socialist I assume

It was all something of a big shock to large parts of Australian society.

While just about everyone felt that it was definitely time for a change after literally decades of Liberal/Country Party government, a lot of people were not prepared for the flood of innovation and catch-up that the ALP had been storing up throughout the years.

It was overwhelming for many, a lot more than they expected after years and years of sedentary plodding under the L/CP, and some couldn’t believe that so much could be done so quickly. With their ideas on government severely shaken, there was people who were willing to listen to the L/CP’s distortions, fabrications, and exaggerations in 1975 without demanding too much in the way of explanation or evidence.

and then there was Jim Cairns tripping off his head with Juni Morosi.

captain_spalding said:

Cymek said:

buffy said:

He had a lot of things he had thought about and I think he knew he wouldn’t have long. So he got on with doing.

Too socialist I assume

It was all something of a big shock to large parts of Australian society.

While just about everyone felt that it was definitely time for a change after literally decades of Liberal/Country Party government, a lot of people were not prepared for the flood of innovation and catch-up that the ALP had been storing up throughout the years.

It was overwhelming for many, a lot more than they expected after years and years of sedentary plodding under the L/CP, and some couldn’t believe that so much could be done so quickly. With their ideas on government severely shaken, there was people who were willing to listen to the L/CP’s distortions, fabrications, and exaggerations in 1975 without demanding too much in the way of explanation or evidence.

Didn’t the yanks supposedly have a hand in getting rid of him as he wouldn’t suck up or acquiesce to them

Cymek said:

captain_spalding said:

Cymek said:

Too socialist I assume

It was all something of a big shock to large parts of Australian society.

While just about everyone felt that it was definitely time for a change after literally decades of Liberal/Country Party government, a lot of people were not prepared for the flood of innovation and catch-up that the ALP had been storing up throughout the years.

It was overwhelming for many, a lot more than they expected after years and years of sedentary plodding under the L/CP, and some couldn’t believe that so much could be done so quickly. With their ideas on government severely shaken, there was people who were willing to listen to the L/CP’s distortions, fabrications, and exaggerations in 1975 without demanding too much in the way of explanation or evidence.

Didn’t the yanks supposedly have a hand in getting rid of him as he wouldn’t suck up or acquiesce to them

Wouldn’t be a surprise if they did.

SCIENCE said:

roughbarked said:

captain_spalding said:

Gough Whitlam:

• In January 1973, Whitlam re-opened the Australian embassy in Beijing, resuming diplomatic relations after 24 years.

• first prime minister to visit the People’s Republic of China in October 1973, having earlier led a Labor delegation in opposition. Whitlam’s engagement with China came before US President Richard Nixon initiated the thawing of relations between the superpowers.

• accelerated the process of withdrawal from Vietnam which had begun in 1970 under Liberal prime minister John Gorton and his successor Billy McMahon announced additional troop withdrawals.

Well reported good sir.

So he basically spent his time supporting human-rights-violating communist regimes, thumbing his nose at the beacon nay paragon of free democracy that is the USSA, what a bastard.

Well, the USA was none too happy about having an Australian government with leanings towards a socialist philosophy. There were discreet movements underway to try to ensure that the ALP’s popularity with the electorate was not too long-lived.

These were the years of the heyday of the Nugan Hand Bank, and of a CIA that had yet to be made to give an account of any of its doings, including its involvement in South American coups in 1973 and 1976 (and they were in there, whatever wikipedia might say). Funds were available to a variety of groups not enamoured of Whitlam’s government, of which the magazine Quadrant was probably the least offensive. At least the CIA stopped short of instigating a coup, but we’ll never know whether the L/NP benefited from their advice.

captain_spalding said:

SCIENCE said:

roughbarked said:

Well reported good sir.

So he basically spent his time supporting human-rights-violating communist regimes, thumbing his nose at the beacon nay paragon of free democracy that is the USSA, what a bastard.

Well, the USA was none too happy about having an Australian government with leanings towards a socialist philosophy. There were discreet movements underway to try to ensure that the ALP’s popularity with the electorate was not too long-lived.

These were the years of the heyday of the Nugan Hand Bank, and of a CIA that had yet to be made to give an account of any of its doings, including its involvement in South American coups in 1973 and 1976 (and they were in there, whatever wikipedia might say). Funds were available to a variety of groups not enamoured of Whitlam’s government, of which the magazine Quadrant was probably the least offensive. At least the CIA stopped short of instigating a coup, but we’ll never know whether the L/NP benefited from their advice.

>>including its involvement in South American coups in 1973 and 1976 (and they were in there, whatever wikipedia might say)<<

They paid you well, I hope.

:)

roughbarked said:

and then there was Jim Cairns tripping off his head with Juni Morosi.

Jim Cairns was something of a rather more pleasant version of Mark Latham.

I think that he felt that after all of his years in the political wilderness, the party owed him plenty, and that he could do whatever he wanted. Perhaps he saw himself as something of an Australian Zhou Enlai, with the freedom to do anything he chose as long as he didn’t piss off No. 1 too badly.

buffy said:

captain_spalding said:

SCIENCE said:

So he basically spent his time supporting human-rights-violating communist regimes, thumbing his nose at the beacon nay paragon of free democracy that is the USSA, what a bastard.

Well, the USA was none too happy about having an Australian government with leanings towards a socialist philosophy. There were discreet movements underway to try to ensure that the ALP’s popularity with the electorate was not too long-lived.

These were the years of the heyday of the Nugan Hand Bank, and of a CIA that had yet to be made to give an account of any of its doings, including its involvement in South American coups in 1973 and 1976 (and they were in there, whatever wikipedia might say). Funds were available to a variety of groups not enamoured of Whitlam’s government, of which the magazine Quadrant was probably the least offensive. At least the CIA stopped short of instigating a coup, but we’ll never know whether the L/NP benefited from their advice.

>>including its involvement in South American coups in 1973 and 1976 (and they were in there, whatever wikipedia might say)<<

They paid you well, I hope.

:)

I was a bit young for subornation, subversion, and insurrection then. But, i did later run across some people who were of a suitable age at the time.

captain_spalding said:

SCIENCE said:

roughbarked said:

Well reported good sir.

So he basically spent his time supporting human-rights-violating communist regimes, thumbing his nose at the beacon nay paragon of free democracy that is the USSA, what a bastard.

Well, the USA was none too happy about having an Australian government with leanings towards a socialist philosophy. There were discreet movements underway to try to ensure that the ALP’s popularity with the electorate was not too long-lived.

These were the years of the heyday of the Nugan Hand Bank, and of a CIA that had yet to be made to give an account of any of its doings, including its involvement in South American coups in 1973 and 1976 (and they were in there, whatever wikipedia might say). Funds were available to a variety of groups not enamoured of Whitlam’s government, of which the magazine Quadrant was probably the least offensive. At least the CIA stopped short of instigating a coup, but we’ll never know whether the L/NP benefited from their advice.

The CIA probably smuggled illegal Australia beer into the nation to try fund a coup

captain_spalding said:

SCIENCE said:

roughbarked said:

Well reported good sir.

So he basically spent his time supporting human-rights-violating communist regimes, thumbing his nose at the beacon nay paragon of free democracy that is the USSA, what a bastard.

Well, the USA was none too happy about having an Australian government with leanings towards a socialist philosophy. There were discreet movements underway to try to ensure that the ALP’s popularity with the electorate was not too long-lived.

These were the years of the heyday of the Nugan Hand Bank, and of a CIA that had yet to be made to give an account of any of its doings, including its involvement in South American coups in 1973 and 1976 (and they were in there, whatever wikipedia might say). Funds were available to a variety of groups not enamoured of Whitlam’s government, of which the magazine Quadrant was probably the least offensive. At least the CIA stopped short of instigating a coup, but we’ll never know whether the L/NP benefited from their advice.

Yes I know and the Mafia in my town were all mixed up with it all. After all, Nugans had a hand in everything and the two brothers were born here.

Pick a link.

https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/nugan-francis-john-11266
https://nuganhand.wordpress.com/2011/01/23/nugan-hand-and-abe-saffron/
https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP84B00049R000902240021-7.pdf
https://plainsightprod.medium.com/the-nugan-hand-scandal-e00885a7cd47
https://www.theage.com.au/national/mr-clean-the-story-of-an-international-money-launderer-20220727-p5b53i.html

and that’s only a little of what came to the public eye. No telling what people died for to keep the secrets.

captain_spalding said:

roughbarked said:

and then there was Jim Cairns tripping off his head with Juni Morosi.

Jim Cairns was something of a rather more pleasant version of Mark Latham.

I think that he felt that after all of his years in the political wilderness, the party owed him plenty, and that he could do whatever he wanted. Perhaps he saw himself as something of an Australian Zhou Enlai, with the freedom to do anything he chose as long as he didn’t piss off No. 1 too badly.

Something along those lines but because he was treasurer, albeit briefly. Maybe it was his fault that caused the leverage to get rid of the Whitlam Govt?

roughbarked said:

Pig iron Bob?

Good on you!

He was my immediate first thought.
So far as I know, Menzies was the only Australian Prime minister who was a terrible leader in both peace time and wartime. He committed Australian troops to WW II.

Thank you for all the brilliant responses. I don’t agree with all of them (I like Jim Cairns, for instance because he entered parliament with the naive notion that politics was about helping people). I greatly appreciate the variety of thought.

LOL

Tarelle Lewis Charles Power-Williams, now aged 20, pleaded guilty to a string of offences committed on multiple occasions including illegal use of a motor vehicle, driving at extreme speed, speeding on a learner’s permit and driving dangerously to evade a police pursuit.

The most recent offending was from earlier this year, when police caught the young man driving at 253 kph on the North-South Motorway at Waterloo Corner at 6:30pm on January 30.

SCIENCE said:

LOL

What’s going on in this place¿

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-27/north-queensland-man-charged-with-drink-driving-lawnmower/102655774

A.O.Neville would have to be up there.

Arts said:

A.O.Neville would have to be up there.

Plus most of WA who thought he was doing a very good job.

Hippies and environmentalists

SCIENCE said:

SCIENCE said:

LOL

What’s going on in this place¿

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-27/north-queensland-man-charged-with-drink-driving-lawnmower/102655774

Police say there is nothing “funny” about the incident.

.
roffle

Ian said:

SCIENCE said:

SCIENCE said:

LOL

What’s going on in this place¿

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-27/north-queensland-man-charged-with-drink-driving-lawnmower/102655774

Police say there is nothing “funny” about the incident.

.
roffle

If they were able to smell ethanol on the phlegm does it mean they have a sense of humour¿

fsm said:

AHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHHHHHAAAAHHHHHAHHHAHEHAAAAAAAAAHAHHHHHAA

Tony Abbot

Tau.Neutrino said:

Tony Abbot

tt

Tau.Neutrino said:

Tony Abbot

Bleddy raw-onion-eating barster.