Deaths on February 6

Don Dunstan, Australian lawyer and politician, 35th Premier of South Australia (b. 1926)

Donald Allan Dunstan: A Visionary Premier of South Australia

Donald Allan Dunstan (21 September 1926 – 6 February 1999) stands as one of Australia's most influential and transformative political figures, renowned for his pivotal role in modernising South Australia. A dedicated member of the Australian Labor Party, Dunstan began his distinguished political career relatively young, first entering the South Australian Parliament as the Member for Norwood in 1953 at the age of 26. His leadership qualities quickly became apparent, leading him to assume the leadership of the South Australian Branch of the Australian Labor Party in 1967. He served two distinct terms as Premier of South Australia: first from June 1967 to April 1968, and then for a significantly longer and more impactful period from June 1970 to February 1979. This latter period is widely recognized as the "Dunstan era," a time of profound social, legal, and cultural reform that left an indelible mark on the state.

Early Political Career and the Battle for Electoral Justice

Dunstan's early career was characterized by a fervent commitment to social justice, often pitting him against the entrenched conservative establishment of his time. In the late 1950s, he gained national prominence for his impassioned campaign against the imposition of the death penalty on Max Stuart, an Aboriginal man convicted of the rape and murder of a young girl. This highly controversial case, which drew international attention, highlighted significant systemic issues within the justice system concerning Indigenous Australians and saw Dunstan directly challenging the then-dominant Premier Thomas Playford IV, who had governed the state for an unprecedented 27 years. During Labor's subsequent period in opposition, Dunstan was instrumental in advocating for and securing crucial reforms in Aboriginal rights, advocating for improved living conditions and recognition of Indigenous Australians. He also played a significant internal role within the Australian Labor Party in its historic abandonment of the discriminatory White Australia Policy, a cornerstone of Australian immigration policy for decades. Following the 1965 state election, Dunstan was appointed Attorney-General, showcasing his legal acumen. He then succeeded the veteran Frank Walsh as Premier in 1967, marking his initial ascent to the state's highest office.

Despite enjoying a much larger popular vote than the Liberal and Country League (LCL) in the 1968 election, Labor unexpectedly lost two seats, resulting in the LCL forming government with the support of an independent member. This outcome underscored the enduring impact of the "Playmander," a deeply ingrained system of electoral malapportionment that heavily favoured rural and conservative electorates, effectively entrenching the LCL's power regardless of the statewide popular vote. Dunstan responded forcefully to this democratic imbalance by intensifying his public attacks on the Playmander, strategically pressuring the LCL government into watering down these unfair electoral boundaries. His persistent advocacy for electoral fairness paid dividends; with minimal change in Labor's overall vote but with the significant removal of the Playmander's distorting effects, Labor achieved a decisive victory in the 1970 election, securing 27 out of 47 seats. This electoral triumph heralded the beginning of his sustained period in power, which saw him lead Labor to subsequent victories in 1973, 1975, and 1977, transforming South Australia into one of Australia's most socially progressive jurisdictions.

The Transformative Dunstan Era: A Legacy of Progressive Reform

Donald Dunstan's extended tenure as Premier from 1970 to 1979 is widely celebrated for its radical social agenda and pioneering reforms that positioned South Australia at the forefront of social change in Australia. His administration championed a vision of a more equitable, liberal, and culturally vibrant society. Key achievements during this period include:

• Pioneering Social Reforms: Under Dunstan's leadership, South Australia became the first Australian state to formally recognize Aboriginal land rights, acknowledging the deep connection of Indigenous peoples to their ancestral lands. In a landmark move for LGBTQ+ rights, homosexuality was decriminalized, a significant step forward in a period when such laws were prevalent across the Western world. He also appointed the first female judge in Australia, a testament to his commitment to gender equality in the judiciary. Furthermore, his administration oversaw the appointment of the first non-British Governor, Sir Mark Oliphant – a distinguished physicist – followed later by the groundbreaking appointment of Sir Douglas Nicholls, the first Indigenous Governor, symbolizing a profound shift in civic representation.
• Landmark Electoral and Governance Changes: Dunstan was a relentless advocate for democratic reform. He successfully abolished the death penalty in South Australia, a strong moral stance against capital punishment. His government enacted comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, protecting individuals from various forms of prejudice. Crucially, he spearheaded significant electoral reforms, including a fundamental overhaul of the Legislative Council, the upper house of Parliament, to make it more representative. The voting age was lowered to 18, and universal suffrage was fully enacted, ensuring broader participation in the democratic process. His administration also completely abolished any remaining vestiges of electoral malapportionment, cementing the principle of "one vote, one value" in South Australian elections.
• Cultural, Environmental, and Urban Development: Dunstan's vision extended to enhancing the state's cultural fabric and protecting its environment. He established the Ministry for the Environment, demonstrating an early commitment to environmental protection. His government enacted consumer protection laws, safeguarding the rights of citizens, and significantly reformed and expanded both the public education and health systems to improve access and quality. Reflecting a more liberal social outlook, censorship laws were relaxed, and drinking laws were modernized. In urban planning, he famously established Rundle Mall in Adelaide, Australia's first pedestrian-only shopping mall, which revitalized the city center. Measures were also put in place to protect buildings of historical heritage, recognizing the importance of preserving the state's past. A strong patron of the arts, Dunstan's government provided crucial support for major cultural institutions like the Adelaide Festival Centre, fostering its reputation as a hub for international arts, and established the State Theatre Company. Most notably, he championed the establishment of the South Australian Film Corporation, which became a significant force in the Australian film renaissance of the 1970s.

Challenges, Controversies, and Resignation

Despite the widespread acclaim for his progressive reforms, the later years of Dunstan's administration were not without significant challenges and controversies. The global economic downturns of the 1970s, including the oil crisis and rising stagflation, began to impact South Australia, leading to economic stagnation. Large increases in the burgeoning public service generated claims of inefficiency and financial waste. One of Dunstan's most ambitious "pet projects," a visionary plan to construct a new city at Monarto near Murray Bridge, intended to alleviate urban pressures on Adelaide, ultimately had to be abandoned when economic growth and projected population increases stalled. This decision came after substantial public funds and extensive planning had already been invested, drawing criticism. After four consecutive election victories, Dunstan's administration began to falter noticeably in 1978. A major controversy erupted following his dismissal of Police Commissioner Harold Salisbury, sparking intense public and political debate over whether Dunstan had improperly interfered with a judicial investigation. This incident significantly eroded public trust and his government's standing. In addition to mounting policy problems and rising unemployment, unsubstantiated rumours of corruption and personal impropriety circulated, further contributing to political instability. The strain on Dunstan was significantly increased by the tragic death of his wife. Under immense pressure and battling deteriorating health, Donald Dunstan abruptly resigned from the premiership and politics in February 1979 after collapsing due to ill health. While his political career ended suddenly, he lived for another 20 years until 1999, remaining a vocal and outspoken campaigner for progressive social policy and continuing to advocate for the values he championed throughout his public life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Donald Dunstan

When was Donald Dunstan Premier of South Australia?

Donald Dunstan served two terms as Premier of South Australia: first from June 1967 to April 1968, and then for a longer, more impactful period from June 1970 to February 1979.

What were some of Dunstan's most significant reforms?

His administration was known for pioneering reforms including the decriminalization of homosexuality, abolition of the death penalty, recognition of Aboriginal land rights, creation of Rundle Mall, establishment of the South Australian Film Corporation, and significant electoral reforms that abolished malapportionment.

What was the "Playmander" and how did Dunstan address it?

The "Playmander" was an electoral gerrymander in South Australia that heavily weighted rural votes, allowing the Liberal and Country League to maintain power despite often receiving fewer statewide votes. Dunstan tirelessly campaigned against it, eventually forcing reforms that led to fairer electoral boundaries and democratic representation.

Why did Donald Dunstan resign?

Donald Dunstan resigned abruptly in February 1979 due to ill health, following a period of mounting political challenges, controversies (such as the dismissal of Police Commissioner Salisbury), economic pressures, and personal strain after the death of his wife.

What was Donald Dunstan's legacy?

Dunstan's legacy is that of a visionary and transformative leader who modernized South Australia, making it a socially progressive state through landmark reforms in human rights, electoral fairness, environmental protection, and cultural development. He is widely considered one of Australia's most significant state premiers.