Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Steve Evans

Public servant at centre of Whitlam sacking dies

David Smith reading the proclamation to dissolve parliament in 1975. Gough Whitlam is behind his right shoulder. Picture: Supplied

One of Canberra's most respected public servants has died.

Sir David Smith was the Official Secretary to five governors-general from 1973 to 1990, including Sir John Kerr in 1975 when he, as governor-general, dismissed the Whitlam government.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.