Dunstan, Don

Don Dunstan was premier of South Australia twice, from 1967 to '68 and again from 1970 to '79. The seventies have become known as the 'Dunstan Decade' for the impact that Dunstan had on the life of South Australia during these years. The Dunstan government introduced anti-discrimination laws to protect the rights of women, indigenous people and homosexuals. Reforms were also made in Aboriginal land rights, consumer protection, restructuring of electoral law and censorship. Dunstan helped bring an end to the federal 'White Australia' policy and supported multiculturalism. He vigorously supported the arts in South Australia with the establishment of the South Australian Film Corporation and support of the State Theatre and Festival Centre among the many initiatives taken. Dunstan was a noted 'foodie' - his government extended drinking hours until 10 pm and changed licensing laws to allow 'al fresco' dining. He published Don Dunstan's Cookbook in 1976 and opened a restaurant, Don's Table, after his retirement from political life. Dunstan was known for his non-conformist attitude - he attracted national attention when he wore tight pink flannel shorts into Parliament in November 1972 - and possessed great charisma, as demonstrated when thousands followed him to Glenelg when he was determined to prove that there was nothing to the prediction that a tidal wave was to engulf Adelaide.