For many years, IPAA SA has proudly hosted the Don Dunstan Oration, an annual event celebrating the legacy of one of South Australia’s most visionary and reform-focused leaders. In 2025, this tradition continued with the Don Dunstan Oration bringing together public sector professionals to reflect on leadership, reform and social progress inspired by Don Dunstan’s enduring contribution to South Australia.
On Wednesday, 10 December, the 2025 Don Dunstan Oration was delivered by The Hon. Susan Close MP, Former Deputy Premier of South Australia, who presented a thoughtful address on democracy, civic participation and the environment.
In her oration, Susan Close explored the strength of Australia’s democracy in the context of intergenerational inequity, growing wealth inequality and an increasingly complex global environment. She reflected on the need to address structural challenges, including education inequality, our economic relationship with nature, and the importance of demonstrating the value of government to the community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important and timely event, proudly hosted and funded by IPAA SA in support of the public sector.
Learn about our speakers
Hon Susan Close MP
Member for Port Adelaide
Member of Parliament
Susan Close was Deputy Premier of South Australia and the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water; Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science; and Minister for Workforce and Population Strategy.
Susan has been the Member for Port Adelaide since 2012 until her recent resignation in September 2025.
Before entering parliament, Susan was an executive in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and played a key role in the establishment of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary as a community advocate. She previously worked at the University of Adelaide managing student services and holds a PhD from Flinders University.
