Australian Federal Election
December 2, 1972
The 1972 Federal Election was an historic turning point in Australian political history. The election of the Labor Government, led by Gough Whitlam, marked the end of 23 years of conservative government by the Liberal and Country Party coalition government.
Led for 16 years by the founder of the Liberal Party, Sir Robert Menzies, the coalition had gone into decline between 1966 and 1972 under the leadership of Harold Holt, John Gorton and William McMahon.
Whitlam had reformed the Australian Labor Party, both structurally and in terms of its policies. He entered government with a major program that he was determined to see implemented.
The national mood was perhaps best summed up by the ALP's campaign slogan, "It's Time".
Sound Archives
- Snedden, McMahon, Whitlam and Gair: Sound - Article
This 22-minute compilation of radio segments broadcast on the ABC's "PM" program on November 27, 28 & 29, 1972, contains
- the then Liberal Treasurer, Bill Snedden, commenting on the election of Norman Kirk's Labor government in New Zealand, and avoiding leadership questions and criticisms McMahon had made of his Cabinet. Snedden became the Liberal leader after the election.
- Prime Minister William McMahon's visit to Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds, in Melbourne. It includes some classic vox pops with locals.
- Gough Whitlam addressing the National Press Club, discussing a range of issues, including his views on the voting system.
- The Democratic Labor Party leader, Senator Vince Gair, addressing the National Press Club. Of particular interest are his comments on issues of morality and "pollution of the mind".
- Whitlam's final interview three days before the election.
Speeches
- It's Time For Leadership - the ALP Policy Speech, delivered by Gough Whitlam, at the Blacktown Civic Centre. [November 13, 1972]
Election Results
The final state of the parties in the House of Representatives following the 1972 election was:
| House of Representatives Elections 1972 |
|---|
| ALP | LIB | CP | IND | Total |
|---|
| NSW |
28 |
10 |
7 |
- |
45 |
| VIC |
14 |
14 |
6 |
- |
34 |
| QLD |
8 |
6 |
4 |
- |
18 |
| WA |
4 |
3 |
2 |
- |
9 |
| SA |
7 |
5 |
- |
- |
12 |
| TAS |
5 |
- |
- |
- |
5 |
| ACT |
1 |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
| NT |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
1 |
| Total |
67 |
38 |
20 |
- |
125 |
There was no Senate election in 1972. The Senate remained the same as it had been following the 1970 half-Senate election.
| Senate Election Results 1970 |
|---|
| ALP | LIB | CP | DLP | IND | Total |
|---|
| NSW |
28 |
10 |
7 |
- |
- |
10 |
| VIC |
14 |
14 |
6 |
- |
- |
10 |
| QLD |
8 |
6 |
4 |
- |
- |
10 |
| WA |
4 |
3 |
2 |
- |
- |
10 |
| SA |
7 |
5 |
- |
- |
- |
10 |
| TAS |
5 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
10 |
| Total |
26 |
21 |
5 |
5 |
3 |
60 |
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