THE year 1975 was marked by political turmoil in Australia, culminating in the controversial sacking of Gough Whitman's Labor government by Governor General, Sir John Kerr, on November 11.
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This was the result of a constitutional confrontation that followed the refusal by the Opposition Liberal and National Country Parties in the Senate to pass the annual budget. Mr Whitlam had been prime minister since 1972.
With Malcolm Fraser installed as caretaker prime minister, Australia went to the polls on December 13, 1975.
Former Liberal Prime Minister, William McMahon - beaten by Mr Whitlam in the 1972 election, spoke at a rally held in Taree leading into the election.
This attracted several hundred people, many carry 'Gough's Gotta Go' placards, although there was a sprinkling of Labor supporters.
The then State Member for Oxley, Bruce Cowan and federal Member for Lyne, Phillip Lucock, also attended as did some aldermen from Taree Municipal Council, including the mayor, Ald Bill Kennedy. Robert Simpson took photos for the Times.
The coalition scored a resounding win in the December 13 election, finishing with 91 seats to Labor's 36.
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