Mr [GOUGH Whitlam] was happy to celebrate yesterday’s milestone with Kevin Rudd, who dropped by the Labor stalwart’s Sydney office for morning tea.

They chatted happily about their favourite restaurants — Mr Whitlam celebrated his 90th birthday at Sydney’s legendary eatery Machiavelli’s — and the establishment of the Bernie Banton Centre for research into asbestos diseases.

Special Minister of State John Faulkner also paid tribute to the Labor hero’s longevity. “This is an exceptional achievement by Gough, who remains an inspiration for so many of us in the Australian Labor Party,” Senator Faulkner said.

GOUGH Whitlam, in his 93rd year, yesterday became Australia’s longest-living former prime minister.

He has surpassed the lifespan of the little known — and shortest serving — former prime minister Frank Forde, who lived for 92 years, six months and 10days.

Mr Whitlam and his wife, Margaret, have maintained a healthy presence at social and political functions over the past decade, but have rarely been seen in public life since the former prime minister’s birthday in July.

But Mr Whitlam was happy to celebrate yesterday’s milestone with Kevin Rudd, who dropped by the Labor stalwart’s Sydney office for morning tea.

They chatted happily about their favourite restaurants — Mr Whitlam celebrated his 90th birthday at Sydney’s legendary eatery Machiavelli’s — andtheestablishment oftheBernie Banton Centre for research into asbestos diseases.    

And on the day of the inauguration of the 44th US President, Mr Whitlam showed he had lost none of his interest in politics, proudly sporting an Obama badge.

“Time has passed, however Gough Whitlam remains an inspiration to so many Australians,” the Prime Minister said.

“It is because of Gough that many Australians for the first time were given the opportunity to have a university education.

“He is a legendary figure in Australian politics.

“This is an outstanding achievement by Gough.”

Special Minister of StateJohnFaulkner also paid tribute totheLabor hero’s longevity. “This is an exceptional achievement by Gough, who remains an inspiration for so many of us intheAustralianLabor Party,” Senator Faulkner said.       

Mr Whitlam, the country’s 21st prime minister, entered parliament in 1952. He held the seat of Werriwa in southwestern Sydney, later held by another ALP leader, Mark Latham.

He was prime minister from December 1972 until he was dismissed by governor-general John Kerr on November 11, 1975.

Mr Whitlam’s creation of the foundations of the modern welfare state, his promotion of multiculturalism, his establishment of theFamily Court and Medicare are all still intensely debated in Australia today. His abolition of conscription, withdrawal from the Vietnam War and promotion of a university education for all who sought it made him a hero to many baby boomers.

After Mr Whitlam and Forde, next on the list of Australia’s longest-living prime ministers is John Gorton — Liberal prime minister from 1968 to 1971 — who lived for 90 years and eight months.

Labor’s Billy Hughes, who held office from 1915 to 1923, lived for 90 years and one month.

Forde served as prime minister for only eight days after the death of John Curtin and before Ben Chifley was elected Labor leader in July 1945.

Credit: John Stapleton