Whitlam, Gough (Edward) 1916- . Australian
politician, leader of the Labor Party 1967-78
and prime minister 1972-75. He cultivated
closer relations with Asia, attempted
redistribution of wealth, and raised loans to
increase national ownership of industry and
resources. When the opposition blocked
finance bills in the Senate, following a
crisis of confidence, Whitlam refused to call
a general election, and was dismissed by the
governor general (Sir John Kerr). He was
defeated in the subsequent general election
by Malcolm Fraser.