If You're Listening Was the CIA involved in Whitlam's dismissal?
Nov 10, 2025
Join award-winning journalist Ninah Kopel as she delves into the intriguing conspiracy theories surrounding the dismissal of Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. Discover the Cold War context and the significance of the US-Australia relationship. Kopel highlights the 1973 ASIO raid that raised US alarms, and discusses Whitlam's accusations against the opposition regarding CIA funding. With compelling anecdotes fueling suspicions, listeners are left pondering why the CIA theory continues to captivate. After 50 years, the quest for a smoking gun remains elusive.
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Domestic Political Perfect Storm
- The Whitlam dismissal grew from a domestic
US Influence Shaped Policy Space
- US–Australia relations shaped Whitlam's policy options and reactions.
ASIO Raid Heightened Tensions
- In March 1973 Attorney General Lionel Murphy ordered police to raid ASIO to see what it was doing.