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

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

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

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