In commemoration of the occasion of the 50-year anniversary of the election of Gough Whitlam as the Prime Minister of Australia, Members of Parliament Jason Clare, Chris Bowen and Anne Stanley hosted a dinner at the Holiday Inn in Warwick Farm on the 2nd of December, 2022. The dinner was also attended by Nick and Cathy Whitlam, two of Gough’s children.
In his speech, Minister of Education and Member for Banks Jason Clare explained why the event was entitled “It’s Time”, in reference to Gough Whitlam’s spirit and drive. Clare also stressed on the importance of what the Whitlam government was able to achieve in office and what Labor can achieve now. Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy and Member for McMahon, gave more examples of what the Whitlam government achieved in the area and how being in Western Sydney affected their policies. He also mentioned the achievements of Gough’s wife Margaret.
During the dinner, which was attended by hundreds of Labor members, supporters, and guests, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gave a keynote speech highlighting the importance of the Whitlam government and how it had changed Australia for the better. After dinner, Labor Opposition Leader Chris Minns took to the stage and stressed on the importance of voting Labor at the upcoming election in NSW so that the Party can bring more needed changes to the state.
Warwick Farm was chosen as the location for the event because it was formerly known as Sunnybrook, which is where Gough and his wife Margaret spent the evening of election night.
