It has been 50 years since the unprecedented event where then-Governor-General John Kerr exercised constitutional authority to remove a sitting prime minister.

There remains a slim possibility that such an occurrence could be repeated in today’s political landscape.

Jenny Hocking, a historian and author of Palace Letters, believes this anniversary should reignite a critical discussion about the understated influence of the Crown.

Hocking suggests that while the situation was unique, similar political dynamics could potentially arise during Anthony Albanese’s tenure.

“If faced with the same circumstances, it could indeed happen again,” Hocking stated.

She emphasizes the importance of sparking a national dialogue about establishing Australia as a fully independent nation, free from what Gough Whitlam referred to as the lingering remnants of colonialism that appear in such unexpected ways.

However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese – who announced the government will commission a new statue of Whitlam to mark 50 years since the dismissal – does not appear to agree the dismissal was a symptom of a greater constitutional issue.

He gave a scathing appraisal of former governor-general Kerr in a speech on the day of the anniversary.

“Make no mistake: November 11th, 1975, was not a ‘constitutional crisis’ – it was a partisan political ambush,” Albanese said.

“There was no real precedent – and no legitimate pretext.”