<p>Fifty years ago today, Australia’s Governor-General <strong>sacked Prime Minister Gough Whitlam</strong> - an act that stunned a democracy and reshaped political convention forever.</p><p>In this <em>Cross Party Lines</em> <strong>bonus episode</strong>, <strong>Phil Goff</strong> and <strong>Chris Finlayson</strong> revisit that extraordinary day - the personalities, the chaos, and the <em>what-ifs</em> that still echo across the Tasman. From Whitlam’s defiance to New Zealand’s own 1984 near-miss under <strong>Muldoon</strong> and <strong>Sir David Beattie</strong>, this is a gripping reminder that even in stable democracies, the rules only hold if we agree to play by them.</p><p>Follow <em>Cross Party Lines</em> wherever you get your podcasts — and tell us on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok what historic moments you’d like Phil and Chris to unpack next.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://crosspartylines.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">crosspartylines.substack.com</a>
