David Tonkin

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David Tonkin

38th Premier of South Australia
Elections: 1977, 1979, 1982
In office
18 September 1979 – 10 November 1982
DeputyRoger Goldsworthy
Preceded byDes Corcoran
Succeeded byJohn Bannon
Member of the South Australian Parliament
for Bragg
Preceded byNew seat
Succeeded byGraham Ingerson
Personal details
Born20 July 1929
Adelaide, South Australia
Died2 October 2000
Mengler Hill, South Australia
NationalityAustralian Australia
Political partyLiberal Party of Australia

Dr David Oliver Tonkin AO (20 July 1929 – 2 October 2000) was the 38th Premier of South Australia, from 18 September 1979 to 10 November 1982. He was elected to the South Australian parliament in the 1970 election. He became the state's leader of the Liberal Party in 1975. His party won the state elections in 1979, after Don Dunstan of the Labor Party had resigned as premier.

Tonkin's government focused on the economy while also continuing the socially progressive ideas of the previous government. He developed copper and uranium mining in the state, and made laws against discrimination. He also passed a land rights act through parliament that gave the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara people ownership over most of their homeland in South Australia.

Tonkin's party ran for a second term in 1982, but was defeated by the Labor Party, which was led by John Bannon.[1]

References[change | change source]

  1. Jory, R. (2000) "Gentleman politician with music in his soul", Adelaide Advertiser, p 18, 4 October 2000.
Political offices
Preceded by
Des Corcoran
Premier of South Australia
1979 – 1982
Succeeded by
John Bannon