Shadow Ministry of Gough Whitlam (1967–72)

The Shadow Ministry of Gough Whitlam (1967–72) refers to the team of senior parliamentarians from the Australian Labor Party (ALP), led by Leader of the Opposition Gough Whitlam, who were assigned to shadow specific portfolios held by ministers in the incumbent Liberal-Country Party coalition government, led initially by Prime Minister Harold Holt, then John McEwen (interim), and later John Gorton and William McMahon. This Shadow Ministry existed from the time Whitlam became Leader of the Opposition in February 1967 until the ALP's victory in the December 1972 federal election.

The purpose of the Shadow Ministry was to scrutinize the government's policies and actions, offer alternative policy proposals, and demonstrate the ALP's readiness to govern. Shadow Ministers typically focused on their assigned portfolios, becoming experts in their respective areas and developing detailed critiques of government policy. They would often issue media releases, participate in parliamentary debates, and engage with stakeholders to promote the ALP's agenda.

Key figures in Whitlam's Shadow Ministry included Lance Barnard (Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister for Defence), Jim Cairns (Shadow Minister for Trade and Industry), Frank Crean (Shadow Treasurer), Fred Daly (Shadow Minister for the Interior), and Lionel Murphy (Shadow Attorney-General, later a Senator). The composition of the Shadow Ministry evolved over the five-year period, reflecting changes in the government's ministry and the ALP's internal dynamics.

This Shadow Ministry is considered to have been particularly effective in preparing the ALP for government after 23 years in opposition. Its detailed policy work and strong public presence contributed to the ALP's electoral success in 1972, which saw the Whitlam-led Labor government take office.