Whitlam Institute
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Copy of Scott's original design

The Whitlam Institute within Western Sydney University is a public policy institute inspired by one of Australia’s most respected Prime Ministers, Gough Whitlam. It is guided by the ‘three great aims’ of the 1972 Whitlam Program: to promote equality; to involve all Australians in the decision-making processes of our land; & to liberate their talents & uplift their horizons.

 
“I do not for a moment believe that we should set limits on what we can achieve together, for our country, our people, our future.”
— Gough Whitlam, 13 November 1972
 
 
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The Whitlam Institute within Western Sydney University is a dynamic public policy institute that commemorates, and is inspired by, the life and work of the Hon Gough Whitlam AC QC.

It pursues the causes he championed and is guided by the principles upon which Gough Whitlam's parliamentary career and years of service to the people of Australia were founded.

 
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Public Policy & Research Work 

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Culture & Heritage

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Civics Education Programs

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Prime Ministerial Collection

 
 

What's happening at the Whitlam Institute? 

Join the conversation - we hold events and exhibitions throughout the year that explore and expand on our work at the Whitlam Institute.

 
Events
Dedicated to the Dedicated: Whitlam, the Arts and Democracy
Jun 7
Dedicated to the Dedicated: Whitlam, the Arts and Democracy

The Whitlam Institute presents the first public display of a unique collection of artworks gifted to Gough and Margaret Whitlam in 1979, in recognition of their support for the Arts. Artworks by John Olsen, Brett Whiteley, Lloyd Rees, John Coburn, Arthur Boyd, and others are featured in a superb exhibition that explores how Gough Whitlam viewed access to the arts as a fundamental human right and a precondition to a healthy democracy.

 
Events
Curator Talk - Dedicated to the Dedicated: Whitlam, the Arts and Democracy
Jul 6
Curator Talk - Dedicated to the Dedicated: Whitlam, the Arts and Democracy

Curator Guy Betts will bring the Dedicated to the Dedicated: Whitlam, the Arts and Democracy exhibition to life with expert interpretations and behind-the-scenes stories of this exhibition's production.

 

Latest Research and Publications

Guided by the legacy of Gough Whitlam, the Whitlam Institute works to ignite debate, strengthen discussion and enrich policy development in Australia.

 
 

Featured Publication

Featured Publication
Exhibition Opening - Dedicated to the Dedicated: Whitlam, the Arts and Democracy
Exhibition Opening - Dedicated to the Dedicated: Whitlam, the Arts and Democracy

DEDICATED to the DEDICATED: Whitlam, the Arts and Democracy opened on 6 June 2019, at the Margaret Whitlam Galleries - and you’re invited to explore the highlights from this event.

This superb exhibition features the first public display of a collection of artworks that was gifted to Gough and Margaret Whitlam in 1979 in recognition of their landmark support for the Arts in Australia. The ‘Whitlams’ Folio’ includes works by John Olsen, Brett Whiteley, Lloyd Rees, John Coburn, Arthur Boyd and more, and is inscribed with a message of thanks to Gough and Margaret Whitlam for ‘the marks they have made on the Australian canvas’.

Read More →

Latest Research

Featured
Exhibition Opening - Dedicated to the Dedicated: Whitlam, the Arts and Democracy

DEDICATED to the DEDICATED: Whitlam, the Arts and Democracy opened on 6 June 2019, at the Margaret Whitlam Galleries - and you’re invited to explore the highlights from this event.

This superb exhibition features the first public display of a collection of artworks that was gifted to Gough and Margaret Whitlam in 1979 in recognition of their landmark support for the Arts in Australia. The ‘Whitlams’ Folio’ includes works by John Olsen, Brett Whiteley, Lloyd Rees, John Coburn, Arthur Boyd and more, and is inscribed with a message of thanks to Gough and Margaret Whitlam for ‘the marks they have made on the Australian canvas’.

Whitlam Legacy, Future of Aus Democracy
New Whitlam Institute Distinguished Fellow Susan Ryan to Lead Event on the Whitlam Legacy for Women
Whitlam Legacy, Future of Aus Democracy

The Whitlam Institute has announced the appointment of its newest Distinguished Fellow, the Hon. Susan Ryan AO. Susan Ryan will lead new Whitlam Institute research that will take a contemporary look at the revolution in Australian women’s rights that took place during the Whitlam era. The landmark Forum, Revisiting the Revolution: Whitlam and Women, will be the first time that such an extensive group of leading women advocates and contributors from the Whitlam era comes together to consider the impact of Whitlam era reforms, for today and tomorrow’s women.

Whitlam Legacy, Future of Aus Democracy
Media Statements
Statement on the passing of Bob Hawke
Media Statements

The Whitlam Institute is deeply saddened by the death of Bob Hawke, who was, in the words of Gough Whitlam in 2009, “one of the Labor Party’s and the Labor movement’s greatest leaders.”

On the occasion of Bob Hawke’s 80th birthday Gough wrote, “Bob’s achievements over his 80 years have been legion. It is especially worth noting that Bob was granted this country’s highest civic honour[1] before he even entered the National Parliament.”

Image credit - ABC Archives

Media Statements
 
 
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Support Us

There are many ways to support and contribute to the work of the Whitlam Institute, and help to continue the work of Gough Whitlam.  Donate to help us increase our impact on Australian democracy, or read and share our publications, visit us and participate in events, volunteer in our historic home, the Female Orphan School.