Letters to the Editor on former attorney-general’s courageous Parkinson’s battle
This week, InDaily readers were inspired by the courageous battle of SA’s former attorney-general with Parkinson’s.
Responding to ‘Well, you outlasted me. Congratulations’: Former SA attorney-general shares his Parkinson’s battle
As always, Peter has been a person I looked up to, from his courageous days as a ‘lefty’ and promotion to the state’s attorney-general at such a young age. Never afraid of controversy and a pioneer of so many social reforms that not only changed South Australia but also filtered through the rest of Australia’s political structures. And then his move to federal politics and dealing (patiently) with the Labor right faction, including Hawke, who I think never forgave Peter as assistant attorney-general for slipping in a law that banned smoking on air flights. Hawke was a great lover of his cigars on long flights.
Mostly, I remember his and Dunstan’s strong and greatly successful efforts to clean out the unsavoury elements of the SA police force and staring down the huge campaign organised against them. We now have, I believe, an outstanding police force in SA. And its reforms started way back then with Peter.
This article he presented summarises him perfectly: determined and strong-willed, in parts stubborn, but largely a man of passion and compassion.
At just 75, I am his junior and also blessed so far with good health as a result of an active life. But I’ve lost track of the times I have thought of a trip to Lombok, and maybe a request to climb that mountain with.
Maybe this year. – John McGowan
Peter’s an old mate of 50 years, and in two stays at his hotel in Seggigi, I’ve climbed that “bastard of a hill”, as we called it, with him, his wife Puspa, Makhna and Crowny about a dozen times. He’s handled the steep one in 10 inclines extremely well, given his Parkinson’s, and I’m sure it’s been a major reason for keeping it contained as much as he has. I think his determination is something we can all learn from. – Peter Baker
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That’s a great article about the benefits of exercise.
Great to see Peter pressing on.
I thought that Peter had lost his seat in Makin well before 1996. – Paul Flintoft
Congratulations, Peter, you have lived well beyond your secondary doctor’s expectations. – Andrew Calliss
It’s good to hear from Peter Duncan after all these years. Can’t believe it’s 30 years since he left politics. – Beth Metters
Encouraging and inspiring. – Grace Mwathi
Great story! I can attest also that most medical personnel don’t want to hear about your personal empirical evidence in any success that isn’t in keeping with their book learning. Keep well and enjoy your life. – Neil Hassanali
Well done, Peter. A very impressive achievement. – Alan Lucas
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“Intestinal fortitude” or “stubbornness” – oh, that we should have either in such great measure as has the stoic Peter Duncan. His personal battle is inspirational. And he looks fit and fabulous at 81 years of age. Bravo. – Jennifer Jones
Responding to Battle of the Adelaide beach sand
This continuing government support for beaches is, in effect, a subsidy to the investors of beachside property. Just look at the illustration to this story.
Can there be a betterment tax to help these property owners make their contribution to save their properties? – David Donaldson
Responding to Jeff Kennett praises SA Premier for snatching motorcycle grand prix from Vics
Mali’s really good at getting sporting events; pity he doesn’t give a toss about literary events. – Peter Bean
Responding to Protest over second Festival Tower build as construction kicks off
They have been digging out the basement for ages. How come people suddenly realise it’s all happening? Protests should have been years ago. – Peter Annear
The proposed Tower for Festival Plaza should be no higher than five storeys, so it does not swamp Parliament House and the Festival Theatre and Dunstan Playhouse. I put this to the Premier – (no reply). Surely Malinauskas sees the present plan as ugly, but he is too proud or thinks he’s pleasing some ‘shiny’ A-Listers or the Walker Corporation. A very badly planned project, as far as the general public is concerned. – Jane Bailey
Responding to ‘No, that is definitely not a western pygmy possum’: New species alert in Yorke Peninsula
This is fantastic news! Wow. And what a beautiful creature. – Kathleen Patitsas
Responding to Coalition leads One Nation after leadership swap
Very happy the Liberal Party is being proactive towards becoming the new Australian government. I was getting very concerned about the next election, but the Libs are back on the right track. – Lynda Gardiner
