When the iconic Labor party figurehead died on Tuesday, people from across the political spectrum were effusive in their praise of a man who stood head and shoulders above his peers.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of those recollections was the fact that all freely acknowledged Mr Whitlam and the government he led, made mistakes. In some cases, they were big mistakes.

And it wasn’t just the political “junkies” who were keen to talk about the man and his memory.

Australians everywhere had stories and recollections of a person who changed politics in this country.

Even those who hadn’t been born when the ALP was returned to power in 1972 had something to share about the legacy of the man.

And while many focused on the reforms his government introduced, some of which remain with us today, many missed the real reason why Gough Whitlam has and will remain an important part of our nation’s history.

He was a man with vision and was prepared to back that vision no matter the political cost.

Too often we complain of the poll-driven, artificial politicians that have been created in order to satisfy a diverse community.

Instead of thinking big about what can be achieved, they adopt the small target approach to their politics and are wary of wandering too far from the middle line.

Politics these days isn’t about creating a great nation, but about winning the next election.

Rather than prosecute and unpopular policy which may be for the greater good, they tend to steer towards decisions less likely to offend.

Policies are made by focus groups and survey results, instead of identifying opportunities and challenging the status quo.

Sometimes a nation needs to be woken from its slumber – and Gough Whitlam did that.

He changed our country forever and, as he would be the first to admit, made mistakes along the way.

But in being visionary and daring, he not only gained the respect of the broader Australian community, but its admiration.