SYDNEY -- There were some unexpected sounds at former Labor prime minister Gough Whitlam's memorial service Wednesday: howling, booing, cheering and standing ovations. Not for the man himself, but for some of the VIP guests.
Former Labor prime minister Kevin Rudd got muted applause from the thousands gathered outside Sydney's Town Hall on Wednesday. The same crowd offered loud cheers for former Labor leaders Bob Hawke and Paul Keating. Former Liberal leader John Howard received boos on arrival, while ousted Labor prime minister Julia Gillard received a standing ovation.
But the loudest boos were reserved for the arrival of current Prime Minister Tony Abbott -- who was booed both outside and inside the Town Hall.
All in all, it was strange behavior at a service that was meant to honour the 21st prime minister of Australia, who died on Oct. 21. The effect was more akin to a football match, complete with blow-by-blow commentary on ABC24.
Massive cheer for Julia Gillard arriving Gough's memorial. @asauthors @abcnews pic.twitter.com/KVxfr1JZBp— Anne Maria Nicholson (@AnneMNicholson) November 4, 2014
Many Australians spoke of their disgust on Twitter.
People booing John Howard at Whitlam memorial. Come on people, show a bit of dignity FFS. http://t.co/HH27RiMCq6— Mike Ticher (@mikewsc1) November 4, 2014
Tony Abbott is smirking as he's booed by the Labor faithful at Gough Whitlam's memorial service.— Denee Savoia (@dnee) November 4, 2014
On what planet do you have to be to boo people at a funeral? Gough forgave Fraser, but people boo Howard and Abbott #disgraceful— Alex Ninkov (@alexninkov) November 5, 2014
This gathering for Gough is frankly disgusting. Our PM pays his respects and the crowd boo him - disrespectful— LegalPraticeSupport (@WaynePrimrose) November 4, 2014
LOL Abbott gets boo'd again. #gough— Glenn Floods (@Wraithaz) November 4, 2014
John Howard was booed entering Gough Whitlam's memorial. No matter what reason, it's completely inappropriate to boo anyone at a memorial.— Lucy Thackray (@LucyThack) November 4, 2014
Wrong to boo a former Prime Minister arriving at the state memorial for Gough- it's the time and place for all to honour his life of service— Andrew Porter (@andrew_porter) November 4, 2014
Watching crowds boo members of the the @LiberalAus at Gough Whitlam's memorial is disgraceful...They go to pay their respect to a great man.— Owen Lane (@Oz_lane) November 5, 2014
After the jeers and cheers, one lady brought the class act back to what it deserved to be. Australian actress Cate Blanchett spoke at the memorial, thanking Gough Whitlam for free education. Watch her moving speech: