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| Former Australian PM Gough Whitlam dies at 98 | |
| (34 minutes later) | |
| Former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam has died at the age of 98. | Former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam has died at the age of 98. |
| He was credited with transforming Australian society in the 1970s after 23 years of conservative government, introducing many far-reaching reforms. | He was credited with transforming Australian society in the 1970s after 23 years of conservative government, introducing many far-reaching reforms. |
| But his government was plagued by resignations and the governor-general dismissed it in November 1975 after just three years. | But his government was plagued by resignations and the governor-general dismissed it in November 1975 after just three years. |
| In a statement, his family said he was an "inspiration to us and our families and for millions of Australians". | In a statement, his family said he was an "inspiration to us and our families and for millions of Australians". |
| Prime Minister Tony Abbott described Mr Whitlam as a "giant of his time" and said flags across Australia would fly at half-mast on Tuesday. | |
| Mr Whitlam's reforms included introducing free university education, abolishing the death penalty and allowing non-white immigrants into Australia. | |
| He was also the first Australian leader to visit China, establishing diplomatic relations with what is now Australia's largest trading partner. Mr Abbott said this was "an enduring legacy". |