Don Dunstan (1926–1999)

Don Dunstan is such a larger than life figure, even in death, that much about him has become legend. As Premier of South Australia Dunstan was such a part of life that the 1970s became known as "The Dunstan Decade" and he gained the kind of popularity other politicians could only dream of (what other politician has been asked to officially open nightclubs - "discotheques" as they were known back in the 1970s?)

This is Dunstan's political autobiography and as such, gives a stirring defence of his role as Premier. There are many people who believe that Dunstan is one of the best politicians Australia has seen, and Dunstan is one of those people. To be honest, so am I, but it's refreshing to find a politician who doesn't hide his bushel under a light.

This being a political autobiography, perhaps what's most prominent by its absence is any discussion of his private life. Although Dunstan did not come out until the 1990s, it was generally accepted during his premiership that he was gay and it would have been interesting to read of his thoughts on how the rumours and innuendo were affecting him (if at all).… (mehr)