In February, Sir Robert and Dame Pattie's second son Ian dies after a long illness.

August 11:  The Mayor of Kew presents Sir Robert with the "Freedom of the City of Kew" - the only person bestowed the honour.  It is granted in recognition of his work for Kew and his electorate of Kooyong.

Sir Robert celebrates his 80th birthday on 20th December.

Double dissolution of Parliament: ALP wins the election but fails to gain a majority in the Senate.

Sir John Kerr is appointed Governor-General.

Federal Government agrees to land rights for Northern Territory Aborigines. The Woodward Report recommendations are accepted in principle by all political parties.

"Advance Australia Fair" replaces "God Save the Queen" as the Australian national anthem.

December 25, Darwin: 65 lives are lost in Cyclone Tracy which destroys 90% of homes in Darwin leaving 25,000 people without shelter.

Cyclone Tracy devastates Darwin 7

Watergate scandal: US President Nixon resigns.

Greek-Turkish conflict in Cyprus escalates.

India explodes a nuclear device.

New York to London flight is made in less than two hours.