(Image from Dunstan collection, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia (dunstan010-78.049)
Photograph of Leiataua Lesa Auimatagi Siakimativa Seumanutafa (son of Seumanutafa Loligi and Simeanamulu Mulitalo Mapuona) after conferring the title Tamafaiga (from Manono) on Don Dunstan in 1978, former Premier and Attorney General of south Australia in the 1970s.)
Dunstan is regarded as one of the most influential politicians of his time. He led the Labor Party into government for almost ten years and resigned as Premier of South Australia on 15 February 1979 because of a terminal illness. He served as a MP for Norwood for twenty-five years. Dunstan was the second longest serving Premier of South Australia.
In 1997 Dunstan became adjunct professor at the Adelaide University's Department of Social Inquiry, leading to the Don Dunstan Foundation. He died of cancer on 6 February 1999.
The Don Dunstan Foundation was set up in Australia with the following goals:
“Honouring the legacy of Don Dunstan, the Foundation promotes visionary and progressive leadership and thinking within government and the private sector in South Australia, by furthering debate and action on key public policy issues. We work with local, national and international stakeholders who share the values of the Foundation and provide support to our projects and program. On our own initiative or by bringing together researchers, policy makers and community members we influence decisions taken and ensure outcomes for a fairer, progressive and more tolerant society.”
