lb AUSTRALIA&
PRIME MINISTER
FOR PRESS 7 NOVEMBER 1977
ADDRESS AT PARLIAMENTARY LUNCH TO FAREWELL THE GOVERNOR GENERAL
Your Excellency, we are delighted to be with you and Lady Kerr today.
As Prime Minister, I know I speak for the overwhelming majority
of Australians in saying that you have carried out the duties
of your office with dignity, calm, and integrity.
Sir, you are respected by Australians. You are respected
for your personal strength, your courage and your determination.
This strength and resolve-characteristics displayed throughout
your life was never more publicly evident than early in your
term of office with the loss of your first wife.
I and my colleagues greatly admired the way you did not allow
that time of personal suffering to diminish in any way your
utter commitment to carrying out your duties.
You set standa-rds o-f---a--high order. You have never allowed yourself
to be distracted from carrying Out the tasks of the Que's
representative. You have faced some difficult times, but you have
always faced them with dignity. I do regret that the Leader of
the opposition and his colleagues have not secn fit to attend this
Parliamentary function.
Political debate in Australia is vigorous and criticism harsh.
This is a fact of politics. Politicians of all political
persuasions, and at all levels live with the rough and
tumble of political debate. We learn to accept it.
But beyond this conflict, and beyond that competition, the
politician in a democratic society has a cardinal responsibility
to unite, a responsibility not to divide. It is his task to
strengthen the common bonds that make society workable, not
-to erode.. them. The personal bitterness that has manifested itself
IrL the. kind of boycott evident here-today, has no place in
Australian parliamentary life. It has no place in Australian politiccs
Your Excellency, you are one of a group of outstanding men who
have represented Her Majesty in Australia. Your achievements
in law and administration prior to your appointment as Governor
General in 1974 marked you as an outstanding Australian.
As Governor General, your integrity, and your commitment to
this country and to the freedom of all Australians, has added
immeasurably to that stature.
The ultimate role of the Monarch is to ensure that the country
is governed within the terms of the Constitution a cardinal
principle of which is the supremacy of Parliament, and through it
the people, over the Executive. In this way, the Monarchy
is the ultimate protector of the people. The residual powers
of the Monarchy are few and rarely used but one instance when
they may properly be called upon arises when the Executive tries
to usurp the role of the Parliament. Any attempt, for example,
by the Executive to continue to govern without appropriation
of funds by Parliament demands that the supremacy of Parliament
and of the people be upheld.
That is the exceptional situation you had to face in 1975, and
I believe quite certainly history will judge you a faithful
servant of the Constitution who discharged his responsibilities
under the Constitution in a time of exceptional difficulty.
Your Excellency, I am unaware as to whether you intend to write
momoirs. If you were to do so, I am sure there would be some passing
interest in them. It is fair to say that distinguished
Australians have traditionally in time recorded their
own account of theirpublic achievements. I hope, Sir,
that one day we may have a chance to read your account of an
important and fascinating period.
My comments today would not be complete without special mention of
Lady Kerr. I know that Lady Kerr has stood beside you thrdughout
the difficult times, and has been a source of strength and
encouragement. We all, in public life especially, owe much to
our wives. They endure what we endure yet are always ready to
lend willing support, sympathy and understanding.
Lady Kerr has certainly fulfilled this role.
Your Excellency, on behalf of the Government and the people
throughout Australia who think so highly of both of you, can
I offer my sincere wish for many useful and enjoyable years ahead.
You have made a significant contribution for many years to
Australia's development.
I know you will continue to apply your talents to the good
of our country and the benefit of all Australians.