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
40 Years of the Hawkesbury Community Arts Workshop
Nov 10
40 Years of the Hawkesbury Community Arts Workshop

Over the years, countless artists from every discipline have drawn on artist Kevin Oxley’s vision while making use of facilities and classes offered in the atmospheric setting of the Hawkesbury Community Arts Workshop. Their works, as well as those of Oxley, are brought together to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Hawkesbury Workshop.

 
Events
Exhibition Opening - Spy: Espionage in Australia
Mar 8
Exhibition Opening - Spy: Espionage in Australia

Join us as we open Spy: Espionage in Australia.

Human Rights + Technology: A Community Consultation with AHRC
Mar 20
Human Rights + Technology: A Community Consultation with AHRC

The Whitlam Institute will host a community consultation on Human Rights and Technology as part of a major review by the Australian Human Rights Commission. You're invited to share your thoughts at Western Sydney's Human Rights and Technology consultation. 

Featuring Human Rights Commissioner Edward Santow and Whitlam Institute Director Leanne Smith, this event is a must for anyone who is interested in this world-changing issue.

 

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
Women, Peace and Security: In Conversation with NATO's Special Representative
Women, Peace and Security: In Conversation with NATO's Special Representative

The UN estimates that 90% of casualties in contemporary conflicts are civilians, the majority of whom are women and children, but despite this impact fewer than 4% of signatories to peace agreements and less than 10% of negotiators at peace tables are women.

Read More →

Latest Research

Featured
Media Releases, Aboriginal Issues, Whitlam Legacy
Media Release: New research calls for national database of Indigenous cultural heritage sites in Australia
Media Releases, Aboriginal Issues, Whitlam Legacy

New research from the Whitlam Institute within Western Sydney University calls for a national database of places of Indigenous historical and cultural significance following revelations that national protection for significant places for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, which were introduced during the Whitlam era, have been severely diminished under subsequent governments.

Media Releases, Aboriginal Issues, Whitlam Legacy
Australia in the World
Women, Peace and Security: In Conversation with NATO's Special Representative
Australia in the World

The UN estimates that 90% of casualties in contemporary conflicts are civilians, the majority of whom are women and children, but despite this impact fewer than 4% of signatories to peace agreements and less than 10% of negotiators at peace tables are women.

Australia in the World
Whitlam Research Fellows, Australia in the World, Whitlam Legacy
The Whitlam Legacy – Reflections on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights and International Law
Whitlam Research Fellows, Australia in the World, Whitlam Legacy
Whitlam Research Fellows, Australia in the World, Whitlam Legacy
 
 
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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.