The greatest leader this country has had (in my opinion), was also the most controversial one. No matter whether you loved him or hated him, you couldn't ignore him. Or so I read...I was not alive during Gough Whitlam's leadership, however I learnt about him in Primary School and High School, and I remember feeling a very strong sense of gratitude and respect for him. I remember thinking, "Finally, I learn something positive about Australia's past", amongst the shame and anxiety our countries' history spurs, Gough Whitlam was a shining star of hope. His death, although not before his time, is a sad one, as we lose such an influential figure in Australia's history. His charisma and kind face made him loved, but also his revolutionary policies and social reforms. Even just his slogan was one to be respected, "It's time for change", simple and strong. But what shocks me is, after 40 years, this slogan is still relevant. It is still time for change, if not 40 years ago, then especially now. The slogan was turned into a song, which goes like this: It’s Time It’s time for freedom, It’s time for moving, It’s time to begin, Yes It’s time It’s time Australia, It’s time for moving, It’s time for proving, Yes It’s time It’s time for all folk, It’s time for moving, It’s time to give, Yes It’s time It’s time for children, It’s time to show them, Time to look ahead, Yes It’s time Time for freedom, Time for moving, Time to be clear, Yes It’s time Time Australia, Time for moving, It’s time for proving, Yes It’s time Time for better, Come together, It’s time to move, Yes It’s time Time to stand up, Time to shout it, Time, Time, Time, Yes It’s time Time to move on, Time to stand up, time to say ‘yes’, Yes It’s time Gough Whitlam's policies regarding the environment could be used now, especially! What is so amazing, is his initiatives to protect the Great Barrier Reef. During the 1960's the Bjelke- Petersen Government in Queensland advocated oil drilling on the Great Barrier Reef. In 1973 the Whiltam Government passed the Seas and Submerged Lands Act which allowed the commonwealth authority over the states in matters concerning seas surrounding Australia. This legislation was used to block the Bjelke-Petersen Governments plan to allow oil drilling on the Great Barrier Reef. In 1975, the Whitlam Government created the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and created an authority to manage the area and protect its biodiversity. By 1983, the marine park had been progressively expanded, becoming the largest marine park in the world. The Whitlam Government also passed the Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act 1974, which required the Commonwealth Government to take on Environmental Impact Assessments on projects under its control. By passing the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act the Whitlam Government established a professional service to manage national park areas and a plan for the conservation of sensitive ecosystems and the protection of threatened species. The most significant conservation achievement was the RAMSAR convention, an international convention to ensure the protection of wetlands and the biodiversity they support. These are just some of his progressive environmental reforms, however Gough Whitlam made huge strides in all areas of Australian life. His appreciation of the arts and humanities was inspiring, and his practical reforms for healthcare and education that have continued into present day. The most progressive of his reforms and initiatives was his predilection for Indigenous rights, in this area the Whitlam government made some of the most transformational change. The policy of 'self determination' was adopted, where the Commonwealth could support decision-making by indigenous communities themselves, thus relinquishing the paternalistic control the previous governments wielded. It doesn't stop there, he fought hard for Women's rights, and in fact, one of the first acts of the Whitlam Government was to seek to reopen the National Wage and Equal Pay cases at the Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Commission. Half a million female workers became eligible for full pay, and an overall rise in women's wages of around 30% resulted. The Whitlam Government was the first in the world to appoint a dedicated adviser on Women's affairs to the head of government. The Family Law Act, 1975, ushered in a major change to divorce law in Australia. On June 18, 1973, the Whitlam Government passed the Maternity Leave (Australian Government Employees) Act 1973 . Amongst many other amazing act's benefitting equality. Gough Whitlam was a great man, he transformed Australia starting from his slogan, "It's time for change". Like I mentioned before, this is prevalent now, we need this slogan now. Gough is resting in peace, but his visions must be carried on. It's time for change and we, us, society, the people, are the ones who are going to change things. To a great man, who I didn't know, but have endless respect for.
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