Ladies and gentlemen, well may we say 'God Save the Queen', because nothing will save the Governor-General. The proclamation you have just heard was countersigned Malcolm Fraser, who will go down in history as Kerr's cur.
Gough WhitlamRead
Australia's treatment of her Aboriginal people will be the thing on which the world will judge Australia and Australians - Not just now, but in the greater perspective of history.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights that a nation's true character is reflected in how it treats its marginalized communities, emphasizing the importance of historical judgment.
Gough Whitlam's quote asserts that the treatment of Aboriginal people in Australia will significantly impact how both current and future generations perceive Australian society. It underlines the moral responsibility of a nation to care for all its citizens, especially those who have been historically wronged. By stating that the world's judgment will come from this treatment, Whitlam emphasizes the weight of history in evaluating a nation's values and ethics.
Themes
AboriginalTreatmentJudgmentHistorySociety
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during discussions about social justice and reconciliation efforts.
More from Gough Whitlam
All quotes βConscription is an impediment to achieving the forces Australia needs. It is an alibi for failing to give proper conditions to regular soldiers. We will abolish conscription forthwith. By abolishing it, Australia will achieve a better army, a better-paid army - and a better, united society.
Gough WhitlamRead
Hostility towards China distorted Australia's international affairs for 20 years until 1972, but reconciliation with China 30 years ago had produced a quarter century of constructive bipartisan relations with our region and the world, unmatched in Australian history.
Gough WhitlamRead
I was profoundly embarrassed by it [the White Australia Policy] and did all I could to change it.
Gough WhitlamRead
She was a remarkable person and the love of my life. We were married for almost 70 years. She encouraged and sustained me and our four children, their families and many other people in a life full of engagement with Australians from all walks of life.
Gough WhitlamRead
I have more influence now than when I had the power.
Gough WhitlamRead
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