Clerk Of The Senate's Office, Old Parliament House

Step back in time to the Clerk of the Senate's office on Tuesday 11 November 1975, the day the Whitlam government was dismissed. Clerk of the Senate James Odgers' final duty that afternoon was to witness the Governor-General's proclamation dissolving parliament on the steps of Parliament House. It was a day Odgers later called the 'most dramatic' of his entire career.

Explore the office where this top bureaucrat worked to keep the Senate running smoothly. See his wig and gown, the 1975 Budget document, the large John Smith Murdoch–designed desk originally used by the President of the Senate, and even a private ensuite bathroom.

Clerk of the Senate James Odgers wearing a black gown and white wig sits on his desk at Old Parliament House around 1976.

David Smith reads the dismissal proclamation outside Parliament House in 1975. Gough Whitlam stands behind him amongst a huge crowd. Reporters hold microphones.

Official Secretary to the Governor-General David Smith reads the proclamation dissolving parliament witnessed by just-dismissed Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and Clerk of the Senate James Odgers (wearing a wig and gown). Photograph Canberra Times, Australian Community Media