Mike Rann Recalls Don Dunstan's Legacy and Entry into Politics 100 Years After Former Premier's Birth

South Australians are marking 100 years since the birth of Don Dunstan, the state's influential and trailblazing Labor premier who reshaped the region's cultural and social landscape during the 1960s and 1970s. As the state reflects on his lasting impact, another former political leader, Mike Rann, has shared memories of his own entry into politics under Dunstan's leadership.

Don Dunstan served as South Australia's Labor premier from 1967 to 1968 and again from 1970 to 1979, establishing Adelaide as a national cultural hub and championing progressive social justice reforms. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 72, having spent 25 years as a member of parliament. Mike Rann, who later led the SA Labor Party to three consecutive election victories between 2002 and 2011, ranks as the third-longest serving premier in South Australian history.

Reflecting on his journey to Australia, Mr Rann recounted studying history and politics at a university in New Zealand when Dunstan stood out to him among a dreary political landscape. He successfully applied to work in South Australia at the Unit for Industrial Democracy within the premier's department. At just 24 years old, he learned that Dunstan's speechwriter had resigned and decided to apply for the position after receiving advice that the premier should at least get to know him.

During his interview, Mr Rann recalled being ushered into a room where Dunstan wore a white safari suit, engaging in what he described as a charming and wonderful conversation. The interview took an unexpected turn when a secretary knocked on the door to announce the arrival of then-Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, thrusting the young applicant into a room with both political heavyweights.

Mr Dunstan stepped out for an ABC interview, leaving Mr Rann alone with Mr Whitlam, who reportedly asked who he was and advised him to seek opportunities in Sydney instead. Following the interview, the premier invited Mr Rann to dinner, and he was appointed as Dunstan's press secretary, speechwriter, and head of government media operations the very next day.

Academics and contemporaries view Dunstan as a transformative figure who challenged the conservative, inwardly focused foundation built by long-serving former premier Tom Playford. According to Emeritus Professor of Politics and International Relations at Adelaide University Clem Macintyre, Dunstan's landmark reforms as attorney-general and premier included Australia's first Aboriginal land rights and anti-discrimination laws, liberalized drinking hours, and the decriminalization of homosexuality in 1975, making South Australia the nation's first jurisdiction to do so.

Mr Rann described Dunstan as the "maestro of the possible," noting that he viewed a small jurisdiction like South Australia as a potential pace-setter for national and international reform. Beyond legislative changes, Dunstan was a trained actor and a passionate advocate for the arts. He championed the opening of the Adelaide Festival Centre—featuring the Dunstan Playhouse named in his honor—established the South Australian Film Corporation, and converted a section of Rundle Street into Rundle Mall, which opened 50 years ago in 1976.

Public commemorations marking the centenary include an exhibition titled "Don Dunstan: 100 Years," presented by the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, the Don Dunstan Foundation, and the Centre of Democracy. Hosted at The Gallery adjoining St Peters Library, the exhibition features personal items donated by those close to Dunstan and offers insights into his life, passions, and personality. The exhibition remains open to the public until November 7.