The passing of former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam is a great loss to our country.
Regardless of your political views, he will be remembered as a powerful figure in Australian public life.
A most enduring legacy of his leadership is our growing diplomatic relations with China, which were fostered when Mr Whitlam became the first Australian Prime Minister to visit the country.
He was ahead of his time on this and many other matters.
The Tasmanian Government extends its sincere condolences to the Whitlam family.