All Australia elections

1972 Australian Federal Election

It's Time

2 December 1972 · Holt to the Dismissal · 125 seats, 63 for a majority

A federal election was held in Australia on 2 December 1972. All 125 seats in the House of Representatives were up for election, as well as a single Senate seat in Queensland.

Held in wartime. This election took place while the country was engaged in Vietnam War (1965–1973). Conflicts →

Prime Minister before

William McMahon

Liberal/Country coalition

Prime Minister after

Gough Whitlam

Labor

Largest force

Labor

67 of 125 seats

Turnout

95.4%

The result

Share of the House
LaborGough Whitlam67+8
49.6%+2.6
Liberal–Country CoalitionWilliam McMahon58-8
41.5%-1.8