A VERY DEMOCRATIC BIRTHDAY

It has been 50 years since the Dunstan Government achieved landmark reforms to our democracy in South Australia, paving the way for the creation of the Legislative Council as we know it today. Legislative change in 1973 overhauled the archaic and unfair conditions governing voting for, and representation on, the Legislative Council, and established a true “one vote one value” electoral system.

With thanks to the South Australian Parliament Research Library and drawing on sources such as Don’s own memoirs, we have put together this short history lesson showing how significant those long-fought-for changes were in enfranchising all South Australian adults and changing our Parliamentary representation for the better.

The Legislative Council was established as the first parliamentary body in South Australia in the 1842. Initially it was advisory in nature with members appointed by the Governor before voting was ‘opened’ to ‘propertied men’ (mainly in rural areas) and later, in the early 20^th century, slightly widened to include the spouses of male property owners. Historically, the electoral districts were drawn with a heavy bias in favour of rural areas and from 1915 to 1975, Labor did not gain more than two members at each election, with the conservative parties always holding a sizeable majority.

The 1968 election became a key moment in the shift towards electoral reform in South Australia, as the Labor Party lost the election despite receiving 52% of the first preference votes.

Within the Upper House, Labor won 52.8% of the vote, yet won only two of the 10 vacant seats. It was further evidence of the malapportionment in South Australian elections due to the ‘Playmander’ gerrymandering system.[1]

In response, then Opposition Leader Don Dunstan introduced a Private Member’s Bill, the Constitution Act Amendment Bill. The purpose of the Bill was to ensure that all citizens who were eligible to vote for the House of Assembly could also vote for the Legislative Council.

During the second reading speech, Dunstan stated:

“Those citizens who are disenfranchised from the Legislative Council have no effective voice in the government of this State, as the Legislative Council has in this State a say that effectively prevents the will of the majority from being accepted if those who are represented in the Legislative Council in some measure or other choose by a majority to thwart the will of the majority of the people.”[2]

The Bill passed the House of Assembly but was then defeated in the Legislative Council, 15 votes to four. When the Labor Party returned to government in 1970, they attempted to pass the Bill again, but it was defeated in the Legislative Council 13 votes to six.

It was not until the re-election of the Labor Party in 1973 that the reforms were successful.

On June 19, 1973, the first sitting of the Parliament, both the Constitution Act Amendment Bill (Franchise) Bill and the Constitution and Electoral Acts Amendment Bill (Council Elections) Bill were introduced to the House of Assembly by Premier Don Dunstan. The Bill was to give full adult franchise to voters in the Legislative Council elections and remove the property qualifications that restricted who was able to vote. Importantly, voting for the Council was, for the first time, to be opened to all on the electoral roll for the House of Assembly![3]

Dunstan drove forward the creation of a single state-wide electorate of 22 members, with 11 elected each time, based on a system of proportional representation. The new Council was designed to be deadlocked and make a party majority hard to gain, making it more genuinely a house of review for legislation passed through the Lower House.

The following summary gives a flavour of how challenging the ultimate passage of this landmark legislation was:

On June 21, 1973, the second reading speeches for both Bills were given in the Legislative Council. Debate then resumed on June 26. The Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Renfrey DeGaris, stated that the Franchise Bill would pass unanimously, however, it was dependant upon the Elections Bill which continued to cause debate.[4]

The Legislative Council thus continued to propose amendments to the Elections Bill which the House of Assembly did not agree with, despite the possibility of a double dissolution if the adjoining Bill did not pass. On June 27, representatives from both the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council met in a conference of managers of the two Houses that lasted from 8:15pm until 1:45am the following morning. During the conference, Dunstan claimed to have the papers to the Governor recommending a double dissolution clearly visible within his bag.[5]

The predominant change to occur during the conference was to create ‘a single transference of votes from those with less than half a quota to those with more than half a quota’ to create proportional representation.[6] Enrolment to vote was also compulsory but voting was not. The amendments settled on within the conference were then accepted by both houses, and the Constitution and Electoral Acts Amendment Bill (Council Elections) Bill was passed.[7] [8]

Since these significant reforms in 1973, the proportional representation system has tended to favour minor parties, and they have usually held the balance of power in the Legislative Council.

And critically, they continue to demonstrate the “one vote one value” system and allow all those eligible to vote to have a vote of equal value in the State’s Upper House.

[1] Neal Blewett and Dean Jaensch, Playford to Dunstan: The Politics of Transition, Melbourne: Cheshire Publishing, 1971, p. 168.

[2] South Australian Parliamentary Debates, House of Assembly, Dunstan, 16 October 1968, p. 1925.

[3] South Australian Parliamentary Debates, House of Assembly, Dunstan, 19 June 1973, p. 18.

[4] South Australian Parliamentary Debates, Legislative Council, DeGaris, 21 June 1973, pp. 89-90.

[5] Don Dunstan, Felicia: The Political Memoirs of Don Dunstan, Melbourne: Macmillan, 1981, p. 215.

[6] South Australian Parliamentary Debates, House of Assembly, Dunstan, 27 June 1973, pp. 161-62.

[7] South Australian Parliamentary Debates, Legislative Council, Kneebone, 27 June 1973, pp. 148-149.

[8] South Australian Parliament Research Library, Report #2118 2023

Pic: This ballot box, featured in the Centre of Democracy, was understood to have been used to conduct Legislative Council elections in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.

Tanya Hosch on the Voice

This exclusive article first appeared in Dunstan News edition 3 2023.

In 2000 I was sitting in the hall at the Australian National University in Canberra. Alongside the many other people who had gathered there I considered myself one of the lucky ones as we were there to see the South African human rights campaigner Nelson Mandela receive his honorary doctorate. Despite being some distance from him my lasting memory is one being thrilled and honoured to share the space with a person who has given so much too so many.

As the Vice Chancellor spoke, I was moved by the citation. Hearing all the reasons why he was awarded this honour and the incredible nation building work he led following his historic election. It was hard to conceive of the vastness of his life which now I was sharing in, in some minuscule way.

From this experience it piqued my interest and understanding regarding all the change South Africa had absorbed as they finally moved on from Mandela’s wrongful imprisonment, the end of Apartheid and their work for change, for a more equal, just and stable South Africa.

They were biting off so much at once and I wondered then, as I wonder now, could we, Australia, succeed with so much change at once.

In 2023, as a country, we have the power and opportunity to create a fundamental and significant change. This year, we as a nation are going to the vote and the type of vote we don’t have very often.

This vote is called a Referendum and a successful Referendum is the only way to change the Australian Constitution. This is the first time, since the Constitution was forged in 1901, that we are specifically voting to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples into our highest legal document.

The proposed question to which we must answer Yes or No is: “A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?”

The Voice will be an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisory body that will have its governance structure detailed through legislation once a successful Referendum has been achieved.

This change both recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution but also provides for a permanent structure for us to speak directly to Government about the issues that continue to impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, since 1788 and 1901. It has taken too long to be heard and with the Voice it will make the lives of First Nations Australians better and fairer. In doing this it will benefit of the whole country in ways we cannot imagine.

There are those who will argue and vote for no change as they will feel this is asking too much.

There are those who will argue and vote for no change as they feel this is asking for too little.

And then, there are those of us who will vote yes because we know the country needs to finally address this aching hole in the Constitution for 122 years.  

Many Australians know what we have in place now in terms of policies and programs at Federal, state and local level is not providing the outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This requires change. Because without it things will simply remain as they are or get worse. We then have to ask ourselves are we prepared for this to occur.

There will be attempts to politicise this Referendum. We must resist this.

This Referendum isn’t about politics or politicians. This Referendum is about Australians voting to recognise the First Peoples of this country and ensure we can continue to be heard.

That is all this Referendum is about. A simple and significant change.

A change that is well overdue, a change that can bring great opportunities for all Australians. And a change that presents a chance for new conversations, based on a fundamental recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have always been here and can no longer be ignored.

To help play your part in this movement for change, go to: yes23.com.au

Storylines shaped in pottery by OUR MOB winner

Lesley Coulthard pictured at work in her studio. Picture credit: Ku Arts

Adyamathanhna woman Lesley Coulthard’s beautiful and delicate pottery pieces, Ranges Jug and Akurru (Serpent) Track Bowl, are inspired by her Country in the Flinders Ranges and have seen her awarded the 2023 OUR MOB Don Dunstan Foundation Emerging Artist prize. Lesley’s art involves hand-shaping clay into vessels, and experimenting with foraged oxides including ochre to create unique colours and effects on the fired jugs and bowls.

Lesley says that one of the great pleasures of incorporating oxides in the clay work is the element of surprise. “We started off mixing the ochre in with the clay to see what would happen. That didn’t work like we wanted it to, so we changed the process to paint the clay with the ochre once we’ve made it into the shape we want. It looks horrible to start with – it looks like mud!

“We let it sit for a couple of weeks, then put it in the kiln to fire it. So, it is always a surprise to see how it will turn out and what effect the ochre will have. It’s awesome when it comes out of the kiln.

We like to experiment. Sometimes we bisque fire the piece then glaze it, or sometimes we leave it natural.”

Lesley is developing her practice alongside members of her family and other people in the Flinders Ranges community at their shared studio space in Copley. Mum Linda is the oldest member of the art group, and Lesley’s sisters Donna and Veronica are also accomplished artists and potters. The group includes Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community members who work together to share resources and develop skills.

“There are usually about seven of us who work together. We come in to the studio from the end of March, when the weather is getting cooler, then work through till September each year. Sometimes we have visitors from other places, like artists or people from galleries, who work with us and share their ideas and skills. We also have tourists come through and sometimes they have skills to share with us, too.”

The collaborative nature of the studio and its artists’ endeavours is apparent. The artists support each other to prepare for exhibitions. When they sell pieces they make a contribution back towards the running of the studio. The Jam Factory in Adelaide helps with providing clay.  And the group is also working with Ku Arts to coordinate and apply for art competitions and exhibitions.

“We love our little pottery group and we love doing the art work. We love mucking around with clay and doing pottery together. It’s such a good experience for the art group when we make sales or win prizes and get some pocket money. We are proud of each other and we like to go out for a little meal to celebrate.”

Lesley has been practicing as an artist for about 15 years with skills in welding and painting as well as pottery. As the Emerging Artist prize recipient, Lesley plans to go to Adelaide to stock up on supplies and also treat herself to a little holiday to get more inspiration for her work.

The OUR MOB exhibition is on at the Adelaide Festival Centre’s The Galleries exhibition space until 7 October 2023. You can find out more on the AFC’s website.

Adelaide Festival Centre Celebrates 50 Years

When it was first established in 1973, the Adelaide Festival Centre was Australia’s first state capital city arts complex and organisation.  It was an exciting moment for the state, and the nation, as the Festival Centre was officially opened by Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and Premier Don Dunstan.

The ambitions for this place were also matched with commitment for the function and not just the form: that is, for a successful mix of artists, programs, ideas and audiences that would fill the venues and bring the infrastructure to life.

On the 2nd of June 2023, we paid homage to the great vision of Don Dunstan through an on stage 50th Anniversary concert, complete with the all-singing Dunstanettes.  It was very well received and a fitting tribute to a great legacy.

Over the last 50 years, we’ve welcomed millions of South Australians and visitors into Adelaide Festival Centre’s spaces and places.

The most successful arts centres in the world are not simply halls for hire but are those that have chosen to control their own destiny with a program and ideas-led approach that will engage and sustain artists and audiences. Although there is still much to do, these goals define much of the AFC’s current activities and aspirations.

Our team and collaborators are strong instigators and advocates for creative ideas and initiatives. This manifests itself in comprehensive arts and education initiatives, life-long learning programs for greater audience participation and accessibility, professional training, and jobs creation.

In addition, we have collaborated with commercial producers to ensure the best range of program choice and balance for our audiences.

Dunstan’s legacy still benefits South Australia and keeps inspiring us all.  We are delighted to be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Adelaide’s cultural heart and look forward enthusiastically to the next fifty years.

Learning for a fairer world

Learning and understanding must underpin the actions we take to create a fairer world, says DDF intern Maruca.

The 23-year-old, who is studying a Bachelor of Law and Legal Practice (Honours) combined with International Relations and Political Science at Flinders University, believes supporting people of all backgrounds to access information is key to unlocking opportunities for lasting positive change – in their own lives and the broader community.

“I’ve always been driven to help people and to make a difference,” Maruca explained. “There are so many roles and careers that can be advantaged by critical thinking – and it’s something that is embedded in legal studies whether you are practicing a lawyer or working in a different field. Don is a great example of that.”

Born in Romania, she was just a toddler when her family migrated from Iasi in north Romania to New Zealand before later settling in Australia.

Starting her internship with the Foundation earlier this year, Maruca’s work has spanned several projects with a focus on the upcoming referendum. Specifically, she is compiling a guide to the referendum so people are making an informed choice when they go to the polls later in the year.

“The rights of First Nations peoples has always been a thread through my degree and studies,” she said.

“When I came to Australia from New Zealand, I was really surprised at how little we embrace the Aboriginal culture here compared to the Māori culture in New Zealand. So much of the Māori culture is infused through every day life there…..the way people think and how things are done – but it’s not the same in Australia with regard to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their culture.”

Maruca was really excited by the opportunity to work with the Foundation.

“When one of my lecturers contacted me about the internship, I knew of Don but I didn’t realise how deep his influence really was,” she said.

“I am really enjoying making the links and connections about laws and liberties we have, as well as spaces and places that have been created, by or because of Don.

“So much of what we enjoy every single day – from alfresco dining, to the arts and in education and equality – can be traced back to him.”

Perhaps a career in politics isn’t completely out of the question for Maruca?

“Initially, I thought a role in international diplomacy might be something I would aspire to but I can see there are many different ways I can contribute.”

With help from Wyatt

Our Foundation has had a close association with The Wyatt Trust for many years. Wyatt has been a key partner on initiatives related to our work across homelessness, including the Adelaide Zero Project, and social capital residencies as well as supporting us through the administration of the Len King Scholarships.

We recently chatted with Wyatt CEO Stacey Thomas about the evolution of Wyatt and its important work across our community. 

Tell us a little bit about the Wyatt Trust.

The Wyatt Trust has a vision of a South Australia free from poverty and has been provided grants to assist South Australians in financial hardship for over 135 years. We know that an individual or family who is experiencing poverty may have many similar characteristics, but also that stories are deeply personal and what may help one person could be different for the next. As a result, we have been involved in a wide range of projects and initiatives, from paying direct annuities in our early years, to providing low-income housing; scholarships for education to grants to assist people in being work-ready. Financial counselling and brokerage funding have been more recent initiatives providing agencies who already have relationships with people in need with funding needed to respond to specific needs.

Based in Adelaide we have a state-wide remit, and our grants touch the lives of thousands of South Australians every year.

What, do you believe, makes Wyatt and DDF well placed to work together? (e.g. values alignment, mission etc.)

While many decades apart, both Wyatt and DDF share founders that were passionate about South Australia and the kind of life all people who live here deserve. DDF’s strong social justice values align so well with an organisation seeking to contribute to the ending of poverty.

Why is your work so important?

Wyatt is able to provide funding and support to organisations and individuals that is independent and not linked to a political agenda. We work closely and proactively with everyone that has a passion for reducing poverty and as well as providing financial support, while connecting and facilitating collaborations with a common purpose.

Tell us about some of the key work Wyatt is focused on right now?

We are finalising a new strategic plan that will focus our work on some of the most pressing needs when it comes to reducing poverty in South Australia. We will continue to elevate unheard voices in our work, building on the co-design work we have done with women over the age of 50 and sole parents and sole carers. Building and contributing to the evidence base of what works and influencing public policy is an important element while our direct support to individuals in financial hardship remains. Of course, the country is facing a reckoning with the referendum at the end of the year and Wyatt supports a constitutional change to establish a Voice to Parliament and is working with partners to support their efforts to support this outcome.

2023 Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration

Around 900 people gathered for “a moment to unite” as the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP took to the stage for the 16th annual Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration on Monday, May 29.

It was the first time a sitting Prime Minister had delivered the oration and was the largest in the event’s history. The occasion brought together people from diverse cultures, backgrounds and ages, including around 90 secondary school students, for what commentators described as a defining two hours, both for those attending and, the entire nation.

Mr Albanese cited historical facts and recounts culminating in a clear call to action ahead of the upcoming referendum.

“After the 1967 referendum, we woke up to a better nation. Not because anyone believed that the referendum was going to magically solve every problem, but because we had – together as a nation – done what was right.

“Once again, we have a chance to act not just with our heads but our hearts as well in unison… In 2023 our generation can go one better.

“None of us has anything to lose. But we have something wonderful and so very real to gain.”

During his 20-minute speech, Mr Albanese used the opportunity to dissect and dispel “scare campaigns”.

“But what those campaigns have in common is that they underestimate Australians so radically.”

He also drew on his personal experiences and connections with Aboriginal elders – including Patrick Dodson, the late Yunupingu, Noel Pearson and Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG.

In paying tribute to Dr O’Donoghue, Mr Albanese said: “Some see her as the rock that stands firm in the storm, sometimes even staring down the storm. But I see her as one of the great rocks around which the river of our history has gently bent, persuaded to flow along a better course.

“As our nation prepares to make a profound choice, who better to honour than the very woman who so powerfully embodies the spirit of the referendum that shows us the success of the next one is indeed possible.”

Guests entered Bonython Hall to a powerful and uplifting organ performance by Casey McEwan, a student of The University of Adelaide’s Centre of Aboriginal Studies in Music, setting a powerful tone for the evening.

Mr Albanese’s oration was followed by a question-and-answer session facilitated by The Honourable Dr Jane Lomax Smith, Chair of the Don Dunstan Foundation and Lord Mayor of the City of Adelaide.

The Freedom Songs followed and, in a slight deviation from tradition, the audience was led in singing by talented multi-instrumentalist Indigenous singer-songwriter, Rob Edwards, in a special recording. The dedicated performance was beautifully recorded by Channel 44 and featured Rob playing Don Dunstan’s very own and much treasured piano, donated by the Dunstan family to the Elder Conservatorium.

It was an emotional but uplifting ending to an evening which demonstrated the power of unity over division.

In the Prime Minister’s words:  “We’ve always been at our best when we’ve looked to the future with excitement and hope – that’s when we make progress.

“Let us write the beginning of a better chapter, a chapter in which we turn hope into reality.”

The 2023 Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration was presented by our Foundation in partnership with the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, Reconciliation SA, the Lowitja Institute and the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation. It was sponsored by BHP, SA Power Networks and the Government of South Australia.

A recording of the Oration is now available here.