Major Policies Gough Whitlam came to office claiming a demand for a wide-ranging program of social reforms. In a lot of activity the government: • Ended conscription and withdrew Australian troops from Vietnam giving students and mothers the peace of mind. • Implemented equal pay for women which influenced more females to work and enjoy the benefits all other males do. • Launched an inquiry into education and funded government and non- government schools on a needs basis to provide equal and more education and resources to students.
• Established a separate ministry responsible for aboriginal affairs and supported the idea of land rights which gave Aboriginals the rights and land they deserved.
• Recast our foreign policy by withdrawing support for South Africa, recognising China, granting independence to Papua-New Guinea and distancing Australia from USA foreign policy which proved ourselves to be more individual while maintaining strong economical links.
• Abolished tertiary education fees and established the Tertiary Education Assistance Scheme to attract more students to study in uni and further education.
• Increased pensions. • Established a universal system of health insurance known as Medibank which at that time provided many benefits to the family and which gradually involved to a free medical service to all applicable.
• Established controls on foreign ownership of Australian resources to ensure our economical gains go towards us. • Passed the Family Law Act, establishing no-fault divorce which allowed to divorce without reasons. • Passed a series of laws banning racial and sexual discrimination to