Tributes flow for Gough Whitlam

Tributes have been flowing for former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, who died this morning aged 98.
Mr Whitlam was Prime Minister of Australia from 1972 until his dramatic dismissal by the governor-general John Kerr in 1975. He is recognised for his reformist leadership and despite his sacking remained a prominent figure in Australian politics and society.
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) describe him as an inpirational leader whose progressive policies helped make Australia the place it is today.
ANMF Federal Secretary Lee Thomas said Mr Whitlam laid the foundation for Australian's universal health system through the establishment of Medibank.
“As nurses and midwives, the ANMF and our members will always thank Gough for his introduction of wide ranging reforms which improved the lives of so many Australians, especially women,” Ms Thomas said.
“We also must celebrate Gough’s other enduring legacies which made us a better and kinder society, including abolishing tertiary education fees, introducing Aboriginal land rights, no-fault divorce laws and genuine multiculturalism.
“His visionary leadership made us more relevant on the world stage and gave us an independent sense of our Australian identity. “Gough’s contribution to Australia greatly overshadows his short time in office.
“Today our thoughts are with his family and his children and his enduring partnership with Margaret Whitlam until her passing.
“On behalf of the ANMF, we pay tribute to Gough for his vision and commitment to making Australia a fairer, more modern country.”

The announcement of Mr Whitlam's death was made by his family in a statement. Antony, Nicholas and Stephen Whitlam and Catherine Dovey – said he was “a loving and generous father, he was a source of inspiration to us and our families and for millions of Australians.”

The family have announced there will be a public memorial service, following a private cremation.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said flags will be flown at half mast in recognition of his commitment to the nation. He said  Mr Whitlam “united the Australian Labor Party, won two election and seemed, in so may ways, larger than life. “In his own party, he inspired a legion of young people to get involved in public life.
“He established diplomatic relations with China and was the first Australian Prime Minister to visit China. China is our largest trading partner. That is an enduring legacy.
“Gough Whitlam recognised the journey that our country needed to take with indigenous Australians. The image of soil passing from Gough Whitlam’s hand to Vincent Lingiari’s is a reminder that all Australians share the same land and the same hopes.
“Gough Whitlam’s life was inseparable from that of Margaret Whitlam. Margaret Whitlam was a leading light for women of her generation. Together they made a difference to our country.”
Governor-General Peter Cosgrove expressed his condolences on the passing of the Honourable Gough Whitlam AC QC
“On behalf of all Australians I wish to express sincere condolences to the Whitlam family on the passing of former Prime Minister, the Honourable Gough Whitlam AC QC. “Mr Whitlam was a towering leader of his time who made a significant contribution to the life of our nation and his legacy endures today.
“Lynne and I extend our deepest sympathies to the Whitlam family at this sad time,” he said.