SUVA: Tributes poured in yesterday for former South Australian Premier Don Dunstan, who died yesterday after a long battle with cancer, the Sunday Times reports. Mr Dunstan, aged 72, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family and friends about 3am. He was born in Fiji and received his early education in Suva. Fijian Association Party leader Adi Kuini Vuikaba Speed yesterday expressed shock at the death of Mr Dunstan, whom she regarded as a long-time political colleague. Adi Kuini said Mr Dunstan had a brilliant legal mind and made a significant contribution towards the work of the Citizens Constitution Review Forum in recent years. Mr Dunstan is best remembered for his close association with the Fiji Labour Party and its late leader, [former Prime Minister] Dr Timoci Bavadra, during the May 1987 elections. "He had a great joy for life, was loyal to his friendships and fearless in the fight for justice and truth," Adi Kuini said. "He was a personal friend and ardent supporter of Dr Bavadra and helped in the restoration of democracy in the country. "He was a true friend son of Fiji and although he became a distinguished political leader in Australia, Fiji always had a special place in its heart and we shall miss his courage and humility." Australian federal Opposition Leader Kim Beazley described Mr Dunstan as a social and political pioneer who was ahead of his time. "He was a social and political pioneer and his graceful non-conformism and courageously outspoken manner also made him a figure on the national stage," Mr Beazley said. Mr Dunstan saw his purpose in public life as the relentless pursuit of radical reform, Mr Beazley said. Prime Minister John Howard said Mr Dunstan had been responsible for major social and cultural changes in South Australia. Former Labour Prime Minister Bob Hawke said Mr Dunstan would be remembered for his role in Aboriginal land rights and anti-discrimination legislation. "What I believe Australia is most in debt to him for is the leadership he took in the Labour Party to get rid of the white Australia policy," he said. "Don really led the fight on that." PASIFIK NIUS service is provided by the niusedita via the Journalism Program, University of the South Pacific. Please acknowledge Pasifik Nius: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.usp.ac.fj/journ/nius/index.html -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List As vilified, slandered and attacked by One Nation mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
