Just what that legacy is, however, is a more a product of one’s personal political preference than pure political fact.

To Labor supporters, Gough Whitlam was the messiah who led his party from 23 years in the political wilderness.

He presided over a period of unprecedented political, economic and social change in Australia, and his demise was as dramatic as his ascension.

He opened universities to thousands who previously could not have afforded to go, he ended conscription, he lowered the voting age, he introduced universal health care and invigorated Australia’s arts scene.

Gough Whitlam’s political opponents, though, do not view his reign through the same rose-coloured lenses.

They recall an arrogant, ego-driven political machine whose thirst for change could not be restrained by such piddling matters as a nation’s ability to pay.

As always, the true Gough Whitlam probably lay somewhere between the extremes.

What can’t be denied, though, is his ability to inspire fierce passion even four decades after he left The Lodge.

He may have been prime minister for just three short years, but he will always be remembered as one of Australia’s most significant political figures.

Gough Whitlam made the political personal and gave Australians a reason to be interested in – and to truly care about – who was running their country.

That alone was an incredible achievement, and one that should be applauded.