Monday, February 8, 1999
Funeral request extends passion for social reform
There will be a State celebration for Mr Don Dunstan rather than a State
funeral, and people have been asked to send money to support his favourite
causes, rather than flowers.
The former South Australian premier was never one for sombre occasions, and
was determined that in death, as in life, he could continue to foster social
reforms.
Mr Dunstan, aged 72, died peacefully at his Adelaide home on Saturday. His
family announced yesterday his funeral would be private, in accordance with
his wishes. But there will be a "celebration of his life" at Adelaide's
Festival
Theatre on Friday.
And instead of floral tributes, the public have been asked to send donations to
a foundation in his name, set up shortly before his death at Adelaide
University
and dedicated to fostering research and education in human rights and social
and economic equality.
Depending on the amount donated, the foundation might award scholarships.
Its establishment could be an appropriate response to the death of a man who,
as the Federal Opposition Leader, Mr Beazley said, "regarded his purpose in
public life as the relentless pursuit of radical reform".
Mr Beazley cited his "unfashionable early passion" for Aboriginal land rights,
anti-discrimination laws, electoral reform and arts funding, and compared his
role as a social and political reformer in South Australia to that of Mr Gough
Whitlam on the Federal stage.
"His graceful non-conformism and courageously outspoken manner made him a
figure on the national stage."
The Prime Minister, Mr Howard, said Mr Dunstan's style of government
attracted a devoted following within sections of the Labor Party and the
broader community and he was a polished advocate of his views and policies.
Former prime minister Mr Bob Hawke said Mr Dunstan had led the fight to rid
Labor of the "White Australia" policy.
The leader of the Australian Democrats, Senator Lees, said Mr Dunstan was
"a man of vision, of compassion, of integrity and he possessed a tremendous
intellect.
"He used his intelligence, not for his own material advancement, but for the
social advancement of all people, South Australians particularly."
Donations can be sent to the University of Adelaide, or the foundation can be
contacted on 1800 333 364.
--
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