Des Corcoran, Australian soldier and politician, 37th Premier of South Australia (b. 1928)

James Desmond Corcoran AO: A Distinguished Figure in South Australian Politics

James Desmond Corcoran, widely known as Des Corcoran, was a significant Australian politician whose career left a notable imprint on South Australian public life. Born on 8 November 1928, Corcoran dedicated decades to public service, ultimately passing away on 3 January 2004. His distinguished contributions were formally recognized when he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), a prestigious civilian honour acknowledging his profound service to the nation, particularly within the realm of government and politics.

Early Career and Pioneering Role as Deputy Premier

A loyal and committed member of the South Australian Branch of the Australian Labor Party, Des Corcoran's political journey saw him rise through the ranks. He holds a unique place in the state's political history as the very first individual to officially hold the title of Deputy Premier of South Australia. His initial term in this groundbreaking role was brief in 1968. However, he served a more extensive and influential period as Deputy Premier from 1970 to 1979, primarily as a key lieutenant to the highly influential and progressive Premier Don Dunstan. During this decade, Corcoran played a vital role in the Dunstan government, which was instrumental in introducing significant social and legal reforms that shaped modern South Australia.

Brief Tenure as the 37th Premier of South Australia

Corcoran's extensive experience and seniority within the Labor Party culminated in his ascension to the state's highest political office. He served as the 37th Premier of South Australia, holding the position from 15 February 1979 to 18 September 1979. His premiership came at a challenging time, following the unexpected resignation of Premier Don Dunstan due to ill health. As the new leader of the South Australian Labor Party, Corcoran immediately faced the daunting task of leading the government and preparing for an imminent state election. The September 1979 election, however, saw a significant swing against the Labor Party, leading to their defeat and marking the end of Corcoran's relatively short term as Premier. Despite the brevity of his time in the top job, his leadership ensured continuity during a period of transition for the state.

Frequently Asked Questions About James Desmond Corcoran

Who was James Desmond Corcoran?
James Desmond Corcoran, also known as Des Corcoran, was a prominent Australian politician from the South Australian Labor Party. He notably served as the 37th Premier of South Australia and was the first person to officially hold the title of Deputy Premier of the state.
What was Des Corcoran's political party affiliation?
He was a long-standing and dedicated member of the South Australian Branch of the Australian Labor Party.
When did Des Corcoran serve as Premier of South Australia?
He served as the 37th Premier of South Australia from 15 February 1979 to 18 September 1979.
Why was his premiership so short?
Des Corcoran became Premier after Don Dunstan's resignation due to ill health. He then led the Labor Party into the state election in September 1979, which resulted in a defeat for the Labor government, thus ending his term as Premier.
What was Des Corcoran's role as Deputy Premier?
He made history as the very first individual to hold the title of Deputy Premier of South Australia in 1968. He then served in this capacity more extensively from 1970 to 1979, primarily alongside Premier Don Dunstan, playing a key role in the government's reforms.
What does 'AO' signify in his name?
AO stands for Officer of the Order of Australia, a high civilian honour awarded for distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or to humanity at large.