John Kerr was an Australian politician who served as the 21st Governor-General of Australia from 1974 to 1977. He is best known for his controversial decision to dismiss the government of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 1975, a pivotal moment in Australian political history. Kerr's actions sparked widespread debate about the role of the Governor-General and the limits of executive power. Before his appointment as Governor-General, Kerr had a distinguished career in law and public service. He was educated at Sydney University and later became a barrister. Kerr also served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales before taking on the role of Governor-General.