Whitlam, Margaret (1919–)
Whitlam, Margaret (1919–)
Australian prime-ministerial wife. Born Margaret Elaine Dovey, Nov 19, 1919, in Sydney, Australia; graduate in social studies from University of Sydney; m. Gough Whitlam (prime minister of Australia, 1972–75), April 22, 1942; children: Anthony (b. E A1944), Nicholas (b. 1945), Stephen (b. 1950), Catherine (b. 1954).
A swimming champion, represented Australia at the 3rd Empire Games (1938); well-liked though outspoken, addressed the role of prime-ministerial wife as ambiguous, with undefined duties and loss of a separate identity; became a frequent guest speaker and appeared on radio and tv; contributed a regular column to Woman's Day (1973–75), championing women's rights and conservation; accompanied her husband on many tours; was an active member of the Labor Party Women's Conference; appointed to the International Women's Year Advisory Committee (1974–76). Awarded Order of Australia (1983); honored by Australia's National Trust as a "National Living Treasure" (1990s).
See also autobiography My Day (Collins, 1973) and Diana Langmore's Prime Ministers' Wives (McPhee Gribble, 1992).