Gough Whitlam was part of one of the most controversial moments of Australian political history, but his legacy and impact on the current prime minister cannot be so easily dismissed.

The Whitlam government was renowned for ushering in significant social and political reforms , which included establishing universal healthcare, making university free and advancing Indigenous land rights.

It also significantly advanced Australia's standing on the international stage, with Mr Whitlam the first prime minister to visit China as he established diplomatic relations with the communist country after coming to power.

Anthony Albanese said his own prime ministership tracked the Labor luminary's tenure in many ways as he reflected on the Whitlam government's achievements just weeks before the 5

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