GOUGH Whitlam’s passing will inspire Labor to rise above petty factional politics, Goulburn Branch president Jason Shepherd believes.
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Mr Shepherd was among a swathe of locals to pay tribute to the former Prime Minister, who passed away yesterday aged 98.
Mr Whitlam will be forever remembered for introducing free education and universal health care, along with his controversial dismissal at the hands of Governor General John Kerr on November 11, 1975.
Locals have fond memories of the towering Prime Minister, too.
It’s reported Mr Whitlam was partial to Bryant’s pie (or two!), used to enjoy a night out in Goulburn during his youth, and was a guest of honour at the Lilac Time Festivals of 1973 and ’74.
“It’s bittersweet,” Mr Shepherd said yesterday morning.
“It’s sad he’s gone, but 98 years is a long time. The sweetness comes from what he did for the country.
“We’ll never forget what he did for education and universal health care. On those fronts, we need to stand our ground.”
Mr Shepherd hopes Mr Whitlam’s passing acts as a timely reminder of what Labor stands for and predicts his death will rally party members.
“Our future lies with education.
His passing might inspire us to go even harder,” Mr Shepherd continued.
“Hopefully Gough’s death inspires us to get back to the fundamental core of the Labor Party, not the factional politics. Gough’s passing will refocus us.”
Newly-announced 2015 state election Labor candidate for Goulburn Ursula Stephens said Mr Whitlam was the reason why she joined the party.
“I remember The Dismissal vividly. Bob (her soon to be husband) picked me up and we drove to Parliament House. We were there when he gave his speech on the steps,” she said.
The couple married in Batemans Bay on election day, December 13 1975.
Former Goulburn mayor Tony Lamarra considers Mr Whitlam a friend. The pair struck up a relationship during seminars on multiculturalism and fundraiser events for the Goulburn Police Boys’ Club.
Mr Lamarra was saddened by yesterday’s news.
“I’m very sorry,” an emotional Mr Lamarra said.
“He was a friend to me, he was a friend to the Boys’ Club and he was a friend to many in Goulburn. He will be sadly missed.
“I feel privileged to call him a friend. I send my condolences to the family.”
Although representing the opposite side of politics, Member for Hume Angus Taylor has enormous respect for the late Mr Whitlam.
“My first experience of politics was watching the elections of 1972, 74 and 75, during that extraordinary period of the Whitlam government,” Mr Taylor wrote on his official Facebook page.
“He demonstrated that you can leave a huge legacy in a short period of time in office.
He demonstrated the importance of passion and a focus on making a real difference.
“Whilst we may not agree with everything he did, he left a huge legacy which has reshaped modern Australia.
“Farewell, Gough.”