In 1974 my family decided to visit Canberra. We'd emigrated here from the UK the year before. We went with another family who were friends from my mother's work. Stopping at the Lodge my dad - as is his wont - asked the security person if Gough was in. Upon being told he was he proclaimed "tell him Fred and Joe from Dapto are here to see him".

After laughing the security person said he was coming out in a few minutes to walk across to Parliament. So we waited and Gough came out and he was wonderful with a group of people he'd never met. 'New Australians' as we were called in those days.

UK MPs were locked behind bars when we left; here the leader of the country met you at their front door with not a gun in sight. Even at a young age I understood the difference.

I still remember the anger on hearing of his dismissal. I'm glad it hasn't left me as it still drives a lot of my political actions these days.