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Secret Letters to Reveal Queen’s Role in Whitlam Dismissal

by | Tue, Jul 14 2020

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In the aftermath of Sir John Kerr’s infamous decision to sack Mr Whitlam in 1975, some historians have claimed Buckingham Palace was involved, and have called for the release of more than 200 letters between Sir Kerr and the Queen, in the lead up to the dismissal.

High Court action was launched by Monash University’s Professor Jenny Hocking, and after year-long proceedings, in May the High Court ordered the documents in full, be made public today.

Kerr’s previously-released personal papers show he regularly raised political matters with the Queen, the Queen’s secretary, and Prince Charles – issues like, the possibility of a double-dissolution election, the crisis in the Senate over supply, and his concern over his future as governor-general.

Today’s release is expected to shine a light on Australia’s past, and there will no doubt be many historians updating their history books.