Whitlam was in government during a time when Australians were demanding change, and few governments can say they made such an impact on our country as that under his leadership.

Not always popular, but indeed charismatic and with conviction, Whitlam moved quickly to introduce significant change - leaving a legacy of policy  changes that altered dramatically how Australians could live their lives. Many have since questioned the effect such reforms have had on the Australian economy, but few could argue he did not make a difference.

Whitlam's long list of achievements included the introduction of Australia's first national health insurance system, Medibank; education for all through the schools commission, opened the equal pay case, a royal commission into Aboriginal land rights of which the findings led to the drafting of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and the National Aboriginal Consultative Committee.

Whitlam established the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, re-opened the Australian embassy in Beijing, resuming diplomatic relations in China after 24 years, created the Australia Council for the Arts, introduced no-fault divorce, scrapped sales tax on contraceptives and was the first prime minister to attend a Socceroos match but only if they dropped God Save the Queen and played Advance Australia Fair.

Whitlam abolished conscription and released all objectors from jail. He ensured the withdrawal of our remaining troops from Vietnam.

Many yesterday remembered Whitlam for his ideas and values, but is is perhaps the words of Federal MP Malcolm Turnbull which best describe the legacy of our former prime minister.

In referring to Mr Whitlam's reconciliation with his successor Malcolm Fraser, following the Labor leader's dismissal in 1975, Mr Turnbull spoke of the importance of "optimism" in politics. 

"He did not allow the hatred to eat away at him. So many people in our business, in politics, find themselves consumed by hatred and retire into bitter anecdotage, gnawing away at the injustices and betrayals they suffered in their life. Whitlam was able to rise above that," he said.

Nicole Ferrie, deputy editor