Gough Whitlam became Prime Minister on December 5, 1972, following the ALP’s election victory on December 2.
Whitlam and his deputy, Lance Barnard, governed as a duumvirate until December 19, 1972. By this time, the election results were finalised and the ALP Caucus had met, in accordance with party rules, to elect the ministry.
The second Whitlam ministry of 27 men was sworn into office on December 19, 1972.