FOR PRESS P. M. No 51/ 1970
SUSPENSION OF PARLIAMENT
Statement by the Prime Minister, Mr. Joh:: Gorton
The House of Representatives tonight witne3sed the most
shocking behaviour in the history o Parliamentary government in
Australia. The Opposition, under the direction of Mx. Whitlam, resorted
to planned disruption verging on riot, refused to obey the rulings of the
Chair, refused to leave the service of the House when named, shouted,
rose in a body to defy the Spea. ker, and prevented the business of
Parliament from proceeding.
They have served notice that they believe in mob violence,
not in the role of the Parliament elected by the people, and in so doing,
have struck at the very existence of Parliamentary rule, and have
sought to prevent the Government from governing and the Parliament
from functioning, by the use of force.
I am sure that the Speaker of the House of Representatives
cannot permit this behaviour to continue and will take all measures
necessary to see that it does not.
CANBERRA
9 April 1970
Gorton, John
Period of Service: 10/01/1968 - 10/03/1971
Find more information on Gorton, John on the:
Release Date:
09/04/1970
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
2212
Document:
00002212.pdf
1 Page(s)
Released by:
- Gorton, John Grey
SUSPENSION OF PARLIAMENT - STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN GORTON
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