1972

Following the Labor Party's stunning electoral victory under Gough Whitlam, Doug Anthony, re-endorsed as leader of the Country Party, felt compelled to step into the Coalition leadership vacuum to enjoin the Liberals to sort out their leadership problems quickly. He did not mention names and did not disown Sir William McMahon. But he did say his preference was for a younger man. Anthony reserved a blast for the Labor Government, which had announced that all Vietnam-era draft dodgers were to be released and there was also what he thought to be an outrageous suggestion, that they be paid compensation.