It’s 4.40pm on November 11, 1975.

A huge crowd has gathered in Canberra to witness the climax to Australia’s greatest political crisis.

Gough Whitlam stands atop the front steps to Parliament House, bristling with indignation and fury.

Moments after being sacked as prime minister by Sir John Kerr, Whitlam delivers his most memorable address in his commanding baritone.

“Well may we say, ‘God Save The Queen’, because nothing will save the Governor-General,” he booms.

The crowd erupts into cheers, sharing the now-former PM’s anger towards what would forever be known as “the dismissal”.

But Whitlam’s downfall began long before that tumultuous day 50 years ago.

A combination of problems caused by global factors and his own government’s decisions led up to the crisis and a sensational ser

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