Summary heading

Political cartoons

Function and purpose

Series M547 consists of original drawings by political cartoonists of the Hon Edward “Gough” Whitlam produced for publication in newspapers. The records cover the period when Whitlam challenged and won the leadership of the Labor Opposition, with some dating from his term as Prime Minister. A number of the cartoons denote the tensions between Whitlam and the previous Labor leader Arthur Calwell. Some items comment on Whitlam's political opponents, such as a cartoon referencing Malcolm Fraser published in 1975 (the year of the 'Dismissal'). The illustrations were created by a number of prominent political cartoonists of the era: "Jeff" Hook, Aubrey "Collette", Les "Tanner", Bruce "Petty" and Martin "Sharp".

Physical characteristics

The cartoons are of varying sizes and most would have been reduced in size before printing.

System of arrangement and control 

A consecutive single number system was imposed by Australian Archives to aid control. The records have been arranged in chronological order as far as possible; further research would be needed to establish precise dates.