Deed of Gift starts transfer of the Whitlam Papers to Parramatta

Deed of Gift starts transfer of the Whitlam Papers to Parramatta

by Hon E.G. Whitlam, AC QC

Gough Whitlam and Janice Reid signing the Deed of Gift, 10 December 2003
Gough Whitlam and Janice Reid signing the Deed of Gift, 10 December 2003

Speaking notes used by Gough Whitlam
Deed of Gift signing, 10 December 2003 in the Female Orphan School on the University of Western Sydney's Parramatta Campus.

The University of Western Sydney, represented by the then Chancellor Sir Ian Turbott and the current Vice-Chancellor Janice Reid, entered into an Agreement with me on 20 April 2000 to establish and define the purpose of a Library and Research Institute to bear my name.

The Whitlam Institute is across the path [here on the Parramatta Campus] and the Whitlam Library is down the path.

The University then awarded me an honorary Doctor of Letters on 6 April 2002.

Both the Agreement and the Degree hang in my office and both are included in this Deed.

Tonight we sign the Deed of Gift - the second greatest thing I can contribute to the Whitlam Institute.

The greatest contribution that I hope to bestow is inspiration. That the work and causes championed in my parliamentary career and the statesman service that followed, will provide the basis for ongoing research and advocacy from this University into the contemporary challenges that confront and can improve the quality of life for all Australians.

We are all climbing Mark Latham's ladder of opportunity. Margaret and me are closer to the top than most.

Many items have already been transferred to the Institute and with the generous support of many of the donors here tonight are now displayed in the Prime Ministerial Collection. Many more items contained within this deed will be transferred in coming years.

The really good items will be transferred when I leave this jurisdiction. With this deed the collection will remain together and will be accessible to the public.

I wish to thank the Vice-Chancellor, the Whitlam Institute Board and staff and the University Legal Counsel in assisting my office with this deed. There was a lot to collate. A lot to preserve. A lot to benefit successors.