Page "1975 Australian constitutional crisis" Paragraph 12

Hasluck had been Governor-General since 1969, and his term was shortly due to expire.

Whitlam wanted him to remain a further two years, but Hasluck declined, citing his wife's refusal to remain at Yarralumla longer than the originally agreed five years.

Whitlam offered the post to businessman Ken Myer, who turned it down.

Whitlam then turned to Sir John Kerr, the Chief Justice of New South Wales.

Kerr was reluctant to give up the Chief Justiceship, in which he intended to remain another ten years, for the Governor-General's post, which traditionally lasted five years.

At Kerr's request, Whitlam informally agreed that if both men were still in office in five years, Kerr would be reappointed.

Whitlam also secured legislation to address Kerr's financial concerns about the position, including authorising a pension for the Governor-General or his widow.

The Leader of the Opposition, Billy Snedden, was enthusiastic about the appointment and also agreed to reappoint Kerr in five years, were he Prime Minister at the time.

Kerr then agreed to take the post, was duly appointed by Queen Elizabeth II, and was sworn in on 11 July 1974, Whitlam's 58th birthday.