Sir Robert Askin
Controversy revisited
THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
SOH opening, 20 Oct 1973, from left, Sir Roden Cutler, Lady Cutler, Sir Robert Askin, Queen Elizabeth II, Lady Askin and
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Forty years after it opened, the three major protagonists, Utzon the architect, the Cahill Labor Government that instigated the project and the Askin Government that completed it each deserve their share of criticism and accolades.
The John Maddison Tower
THE ASKIN GOVERNMENT AND LAW REFORM
John Maddison was Attorney General and Minister for Justice in the Askin Government. He was one of the most significant and influential progressive leaders of the NSW Liberal Party, a committed law reformer and an advocate for the rights of young people and the disadvantaged.
The new home of the Department of Justice and Attorney General's was dedicated to John Maddison in 1995.
Askin’s Government and Cabinet were comprised of MLA’s predominantly of the same ilk as John Maddison. Those from both sides of politics who offer comments on the Liberal Country Party Coalition Government 1965-75 would be well advised to apply logic, consideration and reflection before labelling them as corrupt.
ARTICLE BY NORMAN ABJORENSEN IN CRIKEY, 23-APR-07
Robert Askin:
the legacy that dare not speak its name
Dr Norman Abjorensen is a Visiting Fellow in the Policy and Governance Program at ANU. His book "Leadership and the liberal revival : Bolte, Askin and the post-war ascendendancy" was published in 2007.