‘The relation between politics and culture is clear and real’: how Gough Whitlam centred artists in his 1972 campaign

<https://theconversation.com/the-relation-between-politics-and-culture-is-clear-and-real-how-gough-whitlam-centred-artists-in-his-1972-campaign-181243>

"From votes for 18-year-olds, senate representation in the ACT and Northern
Territory, equal electorates and “one vote one value”, Whitlam’s commitment to
full franchise and electoral equity remain central to our electoral process.

No less significant is the innovative and dynamic election campaign built
around the central theme “It’s Time” which propelled him into office.

“It’s Time” was the perfect two-word slogan, encapsulating the urge for long
overdue change after 23 years of coalition government, and carrying that
momentum into the election itself.

This was Australia’s first television-friendly, focus-group driven, thoroughly
modern campaign. Its impact on political campaigning in this country was
profound.

Behind the glitz of the theme song and the over 200 policies enunciated in the
policy speech, a raft of celebrities and leading figures from the arts –
authors, artists, actors, musicians – played a major role."

Cheers,
       *** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net               Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/                 Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/            Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/               Manager, Serious Cybernetics