On November 11 1975, radio journalist Leigh Hatcher was beavering away at a story in his shoebox office on the second floor of Parliament House when his junior colleague burst through the door with startling news.

Subscribe now for unlimited access .

Login or signup to continue reading All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All other regional websites in your area Continue

"Shit," he recalls the bewildered cadet exclaiming.

"Gough's been sacked!"

Just 19 himself, Hatcher had only begun his career as a political roundsman on budget day, three months earlier.

The tumultuous period would catapult him into a rarefied side role in Australian history as he witnessed up close one of the most extraordinary po

See Full Page