Tony Abbott and John Howard were hilariously booed when they arrived at Wednesday’s memorial service for former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, who passed away October 21, aged 98.
Thousands turned up to watch the ceremony from big screens outside of Sydney Town Hall while past and present political figures attended the red carpet broadcast event.
While former Labor PMs Bob Hawke, Paul Keating and Julia Gillard were greeted by standing ovations, the crowd hailed Abbott and Howard with raucous boos from inside and out, with both returning sheepish waves as they entered the ceremony.
Former Labor PM Kevin Rudd and former Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock were also given less than warm welcomes.
Australians few into Sydney from across the nation to attend the memorial service, however a host of bitterly disappointed Whitlam fans were turned away despite registering.
Among the speakers at the ceremony were actress Cate Blanchett, Aboriginal leader Noel Pearson and words from Pope Francis.
Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images.
