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THE area's ALP figures have expressed their sadness at the death of Gough Whitlam. Mr Whitlam, died this morning aged 98.
Shellharbour MP Anna Watson said Gough Whitlam was a transformative Prime Minister, who led the nation during a tumultuous time in Australian history.
“His legacy for both Australia and the Australian Labor Party is enduring.
“He was a courageous political leader who dared to challenge every Australian.
“Gough Whitlam was a hero to my generation – a man who stopped an unpopular war and ended the draft; provided universal health care; opened up the possibilities of university education to working class kids; recognised Australia’s first peoples; made our migrants feel welcome; focused on our cities and reached out to other parts of the world.
“I offer my deepest condolences to Nicholas and Judy Whitlam, who live in the Illawarra, and to all members of the Whitlam family.”
Ms Watson said Mr Whitlam’s death was significant for other reasons.
“What this will do is highlight exactly what Labor is all about, and the difference between Labor and Liberal,” she said.
“Gough Whitlam’s legacy will certainly live on in that respect.”
Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said it was the “end of an era”.
She said his contributions included changing the nature of the relationship between federal and local government.
“Gough made a huge contribution to Australian society,” she said.
“Think about the number of young men saved from having to serve duty in Vietnam because of Gough’s decision.”
Kiama councillor Neil Reilly said it was a sad event for Australians.
“It’s a very sad event for all people who support democracy and a new way of governing,” he said.
“I have a quote from him.
“Someone said he was the immortal Gough Whitlam; he responded, ‘not immortal, merely eternal’
