Episode 1: Prof Jenny Hocking & John Menadue

In this first episode of Pearlcast from Pearls and Irritations, we begin a powerful three-part series on one of the most consequential events in Australia’s political history: the dismissal of the Whitlam government in 1975.

To mark the 50th anniversary of Gough Whitlam’s dismissal, Editor Catriona Jackson is joined by two guests who bring unparalleled insight and lived experience to the conversation: Professor Jenny Hocking, respected historian and author of The Palace Letters, and John Menadue, former head of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet under Whitlam and Founder and Editor in Chief of Pearls and Irritations.

Together, they explore the political and constitutional crisis that culminated in the dismissal, tracing its origins to the moment Whitlam was elected. The episode reveals how conservative forces – both within and beyond Parliament – worked to undermine the legitimacy of a democratically elected Labor government.

The panellists discuss the Coalition's struggle to accept being in opposition, how media mogul Rupert Murdoch influenced the crisis, and the personal ambitions, insecurities, and manipulation that happened behind the scenes of the greatest constitutional crisis in Australian history.

“Any democratic system depends on the willingness of an opposition to accept defeat.” – John Menadue

“What was done in ’74 forms a model for what Kerr should have done in ’75.” – Jenny Hocking

“Rupert Murdoch played an extraordinarily destructive role… I haven’t spoken to him for 50 years.” – John Menadue

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Hosted by Catriona Jackson

Produced by Martyn Pearce