Australian Federal Election

May 18, 1974

Following an attempt by Whitlam to create an extra Senate vacancy in Queensland by appointing former DLP Leader, Senator Vince Gair, as Ambasssador to Ireland, the Opposition Leader, Bill Snedden, announced that the Opposition would block the government's Supply Bills in the Senate.

Whitlam responded by calling a double dissolution election for May 18. Click here to read the proclamation by the Governor-General, Sir Paul Hasluck.

His government was returned to office with the loss of two seats, but still lacking a clear majority in the Senate.

Resources

• Dissolution Proclamation - the proclamation from the Governor-General, Sir Paul Hasluck, dissolving the Parliament and detailing the double dissolution bills.

• Gough Whitlam's Policy Speech - 29 April 1974
  • Audio of Policy Speech (Real Player)
  • ABC Radio's "AM" report on Whitlam's policy launch (Real Player)

• Bill Snedden's Policy Speech - 30 April 1974 (Real Player)

Election Results

• State of the Parties - House of Representatives

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