Former Australian prime minister Gough Whitlam, one of the nation´s most admired figures died earlier today aged 98, his family said.
“Our father, Gough Whitlam, has died this morning at the age of 98,” his offspring Antony, Nicholas, Stephen and Catherine confirmed in a statement.
“A loving and generous father, he was a source of inspiration to us and our families and for millions of Australians.” said the statement.
Whitlam remained one of Australia´s most influential figures despite being the country´s only prime minister to be sacked.
He led Labor to its first victory in 23 years at the December 1972 election on the back of the famous “It´s Time” campaign before being sensationally sacked in 1975 by Governor-General Sir John Kerr.
His dismissal was prompted by a refusal by parliament´s upper house, where his Labor Party did not hold a majority, to pass a budget bill until the government agreed to call a general election.
To end the impasse, Kerr took the unprecedented step of sacking Whitlam and installing then opposition leader Malcolm Fraser as caretaker prime minister.
Despite being in power for only three turbulent years, Whitlam launched sweeping reforms of the nation´s economic and cultural affairs which have made him a part of Australian history.
His family said there would be a private cremation and a public memorial service.
