Australia mourns the passing of its 21st Prime Minister, the Honourable Edward Gough Whitlam AC QC.
We remember his lifetime of service to Australia in the Royal Australian Air Force, as a parliamentarian, as Prime Minister and as an ambassador.
Gough Whitlam was a giant of his time.
He united the Australian Labor Party, won two elections and seemed, in so many 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.
On this day we honour a life of service to our country.
I have instructed all flags to fly at half-mast today and on the day of Mr Whitlam's State Memorial Service.
Further details on how Australians can honour Mr Whitlam will be announced in coming days in consultation with the Whitlam family.
On behalf of the Australian people, I extend my condolences to the Whitlam family on their loss.
21 October 2014