The 1972 Whitlam speech and campaign event at Bowman Hall is widely regarded as a significant speech that changed the direction of Australia.
Gough Whitlam said in his 1972 election campaign speech, that this will be: “a choice between the past and the future, between the habits and fears of the past, and the demands and opportunities of the future.”
Mr Whitlam put forward a comprehensive agenda abolishing university fees; introducing universal health insurance; raising basic pension to 25% of average wage; introducing pre-school education; introducing Aboriginal Land Rights legislation; free dental care for school children; increasing annual leave to four weeks; improving women’s rights; ending white Australia policy; major changes to international relations; and many other policy announcements.
Gough Whitlam made six significant speeches at Bowman Hall including 1967 half senate election launch; 1970 cost of living speech; 1972 and 1974 federal election campaign launches; and the 1976 Labor’s economic.
Frank Mossfield AM (Greenway Federal MP 1996-2007) was there with his oldest son Tony. They remember the positive energy in room and young people were full of hope for future opportunities.
Mr Mossfield said, “This was a very exciting time as Labor was supporting major infrastructure development across Western Sydney.”
The Hon. Leo McLeay (Federal MP 1979-2004 and Speaker 1989-1993) vividly remembers the night because of its hope and commitment to the people of Western Sydney and emerging migrant communities.
The Hon. John Brown AO (Federal Member for Parramatta 1977-1990 and Minister for Sport, Recreation and Tourism) recalled that the Hall was jampacked with over 1,000 people crammed in yet silence when Whitlam spoke with spontaneous cheering and applause with the major policy announcements.”
Gerry Ambroisine a Labor party stalwart and his wife Eliane attended what he described as euphoric launch campaign. “Walking around Bowman Hall today is like stepping back in time and I have chills running up my spine thinking of the history that was created here for our nation.”
All four were universal in their support for Bowman Hall to be historically listed. Bowman Hall has been a multicultural gathering place for over 60 years. The historical significance to the nation, must be recognised and every attempt ought to be made to preserve the building. Its history means a lot to Australia.
