Sir John Kerr
Sir John Kerr was an Australian lawyer and politician who served as the Governor-General of Australia from 1974 to 1977. He is best known for his controversial decision to dismiss the Whitlam government in November 1975, an act that sparked a constitutional crisis and profoundly impacted Australian politics. His actions remain a subject of heated debate and discussion in Australian history.
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Recent news mentions
Sir John Kerr's lack of candour was criticized in the context of the dismissal.
George Brandis: The year in review
Australia· 2025-12-21
Sir John Kerr is mentioned as a scheming figure in the narrative surrounding Gough Whitlam's political downfall.
Liberals ignore, despise and knife their leaders – and drive their party over a cliffAustralia· 2025-12-07
Sir John Kerr was the governor-general who controversially sacked Gough Whitlam.
How Gough Whitlam’s downfall caused chaos in an HSC classAustralia· 2025-11-11
Keating says Sir John Kerr should have been arrested for his role in the coup.
Paul Keating says Sir John Kerr should have been arrestedAustralia· 2025-11-11
Sir John Kerr was the governor-general who dismissed Gough Whitlam's government.
Former senator reflects on Kerr's 'treachery' and Labor's missed opportunityAustralia· 2025-11-10
Sir John Kerr was the governor-general who dismissed the Whitlam government in a controversial decision.
The secret a family kept for 50 yearsAustralia· 2025-11-08
Sir John Kerr was the governor-general who dismissed the Whitlam government, a controversial act in Australian history.
The unlikely friendships that survived the DismissalAustralia· 2025-10-30
