The Resignation of John Gorton as Prime Minister of Australia in 1971: A Turning Point in Australian Political History

The Resignation of John Gorton as Prime Minister of Australia in 1971: A Turning Point in Australian Political History

The resignation of John Gorton as Prime Minister of Australia and leader of the Liberal Party of Australia in 1971 marked a significant moment in Australian political history. Gorton's resignation followed a secret ballot vote of confidence within his own party, a rare and dramatic event that highlighted internal divisions within the Liberal Party. His replacement by William McMahon as both Prime Minister and party leader ushered in a new era of Australian politics, but also signaled the beginning of a period of instability for the Liberal Party.

 

Historical Context: Australian Politics in the Mid-20th Century

By the 1960s, Australia was firmly entrenched in the post-World War II era, with the Liberal Party of Australia dominating federal politics. The Liberal Party, in coalition with the Country Party (now the National Party), had been in power since 1949 under the leadership of Sir Robert Menzies, Australia's longest-serving Prime Minister. Menzies' tenure was marked by economic prosperity, strong anti-communist sentiment, and a close alliance with the United States.

When Menzies retired in 1966, he was succeeded by Harold Holt, who continued many of Menzies' policies. However, Holt's tenure was cut short in December 1967 when he disappeared while swimming off the coast of Victoria, an event that shocked the nation. Holt's disappearance led to a leadership vacuum within the Liberal Party, and after a brief interim period under John McEwen, the leader of the Country Party, John Gorton emerged as the new Prime Minister in January 1968.

John Gorton's Rise to Power

John Grey Gorton was a unique figure in Australian politics. A World War II veteran and former pilot who had survived a severe crash, Gorton was known for his rugged individualism and maverick style. He entered politics in 1949, the same year the Liberal Party came to power, and served as a senator for Victoria. Gorton's rise to the prime ministership was unconventional; he was the first senator to become Prime Minister, and he had to transition to the House of Representatives by winning a by-election in Higgins after assuming the leadership.

Gorton's leadership style was markedly different from that of his predecessors. He was seen as more progressive and less beholden to traditional party structures. His policies often reflected a nationalist approach, emphasizing Australian sovereignty and independence in foreign policy. Gorton also sought to strengthen the role of the federal government in areas such as education and the arts, which sometimes put him at odds with state governments and more conservative elements within his own party.

Internal Divisions and Challenges

Despite his initial popularity, Gorton's leadership was soon beset by challenges. His unorthodox style and willingness to make decisions without consulting his cabinet or party colleagues alienated many within the Liberal Party. Gorton's nationalist stance, particularly his efforts to assert greater federal control over resource development, also created tensions with state governments and powerful interest groups.

One of the most significant controversies during Gorton's tenure was the "VIP aircraft affair" in 1970. Gorton was accused of misusing Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft for personal travel, a scandal that damaged his reputation and fueled criticism from within his own party. Additionally, Gorton's handling of defense and foreign policy issues, including Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War, drew criticism from both within and outside the party.

By early 1971, discontent with Gorton's leadership had reached a boiling point. Many within the Liberal Party felt that Gorton's leadership was becoming a liability, particularly as the party faced growing pressure from the opposition Australian Labor Party (ALP) under Gough Whitlam.

The Secret Ballot and Gorton's Resignation

The final blow to Gorton's leadership came in March 1971. On March 9, Defense Minister Malcolm Fraser resigned from Gorton's cabinet, citing a lack of confidence in the Prime Minister's leadership. Fraser's resignation was a significant moment, as it signaled open rebellion within the government. In his resignation speech, Fraser famously declared that Gorton was "not fit to hold the great office of Prime Minister."

In response to the growing crisis, the Liberal Party held a secret ballot vote of confidence in Gorton's leadership on March 10, 1971. The vote resulted in a tie, with 33 votes in favor of Gorton and 33 against. Gorton interpreted the tie as a loss of confidence and announced his resignation as Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader. In his resignation statement, Gorton famously said, "Well, that's it," and left the room.

William McMahon Takes Over

Following Gorton's resignation, William McMahon was elected as the new leader of the Liberal Party and became Prime Minister. McMahon, a seasoned politician with a long career in government, was seen as a more traditional and conservative figure compared to Gorton. However, McMahon's leadership was also marked by challenges, including ongoing divisions within the Liberal Party and the rising popularity of the ALP under Gough Whitlam.

McMahon's tenure as Prime Minister was short-lived. In the federal election of December 1972, the Liberal-Country Party coalition was defeated by the ALP, ending 23 years of conservative rule in Australia. Whitlam's victory marked the beginning of a new era in Australian politics, characterized by progressive reforms and a shift in the country's social and economic policies.

The Aftermath of Gorton's Resignation

John Gorton's resignation had lasting implications for Australian politics. His departure highlighted the deep divisions within the Liberal Party and underscored the challenges of maintaining unity in a coalition government. Gorton's nationalist and progressive policies, while ahead of their time in some respects, were often at odds with the more conservative elements of his party, contributing to his downfall.

After his resignation, Gorton remained in politics for a time, serving as a minister in McMahon's government before retiring from the House of Representatives in 1975. He later returned to the Senate as an independent, reflecting his continued commitment to public service and his maverick spirit.

Gorton's legacy is complex. While his tenure as Prime Minister was marked by controversy and internal strife, he is also remembered for his efforts to promote Australian nationalism and his willingness to challenge established norms. His resignation in 1971 remains a defining moment in Australian political history, symbolizing the tensions and challenges of leadership in a rapidly changing world.

Conclusion

The resignation of John Gorton as Prime Minister of Australia in 1971 was a watershed moment in the nation's political history. It marked the end of an era of relative stability within the Liberal Party and set the stage for the rise of Gough Whitlam and the ALP. Gorton's leadership, while controversial, reflected a unique vision for Australia, one that sought to balance tradition with progress and independence with global engagement.

The events of 1971 also serve as a reminder of the complexities of political leadership and the challenges of navigating internal divisions within a party. Gorton's resignation, precipitated by a secret ballot vote of confidence, remains a rare and dramatic episode in Australian politics, one that continues to be studied and debated by historians and political analysts. Ultimately, Gorton's legacy is one of resilience, independence, and a commitment to serving the Australian people, even in the face of adversity.

Share this

Earthisone