Prime Minister's Spouse. Margaret Elaine Whitlam was a prominent Australian in her own right, as well as the wife of former Prime Minister of Australia, Gough Whitlam. She was a published author, renowned social worker and former champion swimmer. She married Gough Whitlam, a Royal Australian Air Force officer, on Apr. 27, 1942, at St Michael's Church of England, Vaucluse, NSW. They had four children; Nicholas, Tony, Stephen and Catherine. Upon Gough Whitlam's election as Prime Minister, Margaret quickly became known as an outspoken advocate for issues including women's rights, particularly abortion law reform and conservation. She faced widespread public criticism about her proactive life; however she refused to limit herself to a traditional role. After her husband's political career, she held several public offices, serving as chair of the Australian Opera Conference, and the boards of the Sydney Dance Company, International Literacy Year, International Women's Year, and the Law Foundation of New South Wales. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1983 for services to the community. In 1995, she was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from the University of New England and in 1997 became one of one hundred Australian National Living Treasures. In 2001, she received a Centenary Medal "For outstanding service to Australian society and to the Australian community". She died in hospital, a month after a bad fall.
Prime Minister's Spouse. Margaret Elaine Whitlam was a prominent Australian in her own right, as well as the wife of former Prime Minister of Australia, Gough Whitlam. She was a published author, renowned social worker and former champion swimmer. She married Gough Whitlam, a Royal Australian Air Force officer, on Apr. 27, 1942, at St Michael's Church of England, Vaucluse, NSW. They had four children; Nicholas, Tony, Stephen and Catherine. Upon Gough Whitlam's election as Prime Minister, Margaret quickly became known as an outspoken advocate for issues including women's rights, particularly abortion law reform and conservation. She faced widespread public criticism about her proactive life; however she refused to limit herself to a traditional role. After her husband's political career, she held several public offices, serving as chair of the Australian Opera Conference, and the boards of the Sydney Dance Company, International Literacy Year, International Women's Year, and the Law Foundation of New South Wales. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1983 for services to the community. In 1995, she was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from the University of New England and in 1997 became one of one hundred Australian National Living Treasures. In 2001, she received a Centenary Medal "For outstanding service to Australian society and to the Australian community". She died in hospital, a month after a bad fall.
Bio by: Rebecca McIntosh
Gravesite Details
Ashes immured in the columbarium at St James Church, King Street, Sydney.
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