Blaze e-catalogue - Catalog - Page 70
Margaret
Whitlam
1919-2012
Social worker
In 1943 Margaret Whitlam graduated from the
University of Sydney with a Diploma of Social
Studies. She accepted a role as social worker
for the Family Welfare Bureau. Prior to the
birth of her first child, and with her husband,
Gough, away in military service, Whitlam ceased
professional work.
In 1964 Whitlam accompanied Gough—
Deputy Leader of the Opposition—to the USA.
Whitlam cashed in an insurance policy to raise
the money for her trip. Determined never
to be in a similar situation again, Whitlam
resumed her professional career and was
appointed to Parramatta District Hospital
as its sole social worker.
It was a very good job because I was able
to name my hours. I didn’t work full time.
I worked three days a week and I chose the
days. I just made a program ahead of time
for interviews and things. I circulated the
wards saying I’d be available on certain
days between certain hours and it all
worked very well.
“She was unmistakably
someone who exemplified the
idea of having a go and, having
set herself to have a go, was not
about to have any truck with
half-measures.”
The Hon John Faulkner, ‘Whitlam, Mrs Margaret Elaine, AO ’, speech,
The Senate Proof Condolences, Commonwealth of Australia:
Parliamentary Debates, 19 March 2012, p. 50
In 1967, Gough became Leader of the Opposition
and ‘required my presence more frequently
in Canberra and other places, so I really couldn’t
keep it on. I had to leave’. When Gough became
the 21st Prime Minister of Australia in December
1972, Whitlam’s public commitments multiplied
and her profile intensified. She did not resume
social work but maintained an active and
ongoing dedication over many years to causes
that sought to improve opportunities for women,
young people, and the Australian community
more generally.
Above left
Margaret Whitlam
Liverpool Post Office Official Opening in 1964 (detail)
Postmaster General’s Office, Whitlam Institute, Item 9253 [Box 0015]
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