MoAD and the Courtyard Cafe are open. Some exhibitions will be closed from 14 July to 31 August 2025 for vital building works. Learn more

Were you at the 1975 dismissal?

Join us as we mark the 50th anniversary of the dismissal.

On Tuesday 11 November 1975, politicians, media and members of the public gathered on the steps of Parliament House to listen as the Governor-General's Official Secretary, David Smith, read the proclamation dissolving parliament. 

In 2025 MoAD will mark the 50th anniversary of the dismissal of the Whitlam government with a program of events.

Share your dismissal stories

If you have stories, photographs or objects related to this period in Australian history, email us at dismissal@moadoph.gov.au

Sir John Kerr dressed in a morning suit stands in front of an oil painting of Queen Elizabeth II.

Sir John Kerr standing in front of an oil painting of Queen Elizabeth II, 1974. Photograph National Archives of Australia: A6135, K3/9/74/20

David Smith reads the dismissal outside Old Parliament House while Gough Whitlam stands by his side. The press and a big crowd surround them.

The proclamation dissolving parliament being read by the Governor-General's Official Secretary, David Smith, on the steps of Parliament House as Gough Whitlam looks on over his shoulder, 11 November 1975. Photograph National Archives of Australia: A6180, 13/11/75/39

A crowd, including Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, on the steps of Parliament House.

A crowd, including Gough Whitlam on the steps of Parliament House, 11 November 1975. Photograph National Archives of Australia: A6180, 13/11/75/36

A large crowd of people gathered outside Parliament House, some holding placards.

Demonstrators in front of Parliament House after the Whitlam dismissal, 12 November 1975. Photograph David Reid and Bruce Moore, National Library of Australia: nla.obj-151761263

Malcolm Fraser walks away from Parliament House with two other men in suits. A crowd of people watch from the steps behind them.

Malcolm Fraser leaves Parliament House, Canberra, after his appointment as caretaker Prime Minister, 1975. Photograph National Archives of Australia: A6180, 13/11/75/31

Malcolm Fraser, Sir John Kerr and Doug Anthony wearing suits leave Government House in Canberra in 1975.

Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, Governor-General Sir John Kerr and Deputy Prime Minister Doug Anthony leaving Government House after the swearing in of Malcolm Fraser's Cabinet, 1975. Photograph National Archives of Australia: A6180, 13/11/75/1

You may also be interested in...

'We've been sacked': the 1975 Whitlam government dismissal

'We've been sacked': the 1975 Whitlam government dismissal

For the first time in Australian history, a governor-general dismissed a prime minister and government.

Donate

Donate

Every person can contribute to democracy.