Rupert Hamer was a great Premier and committed to the public good

The pedagogy had lasting effect. The hallmarks of Hamer’s years in power were initiatives, complementing the federal efforts of the Whitlam-Fraser era, that enhanced "quality of life": strengthening environmental protection, heritage and conservation and cultivating the arts. Homosexuality and abortion were decriminalised and capital punishment rescinded. Anti-discrimination law challenged racism and sexism.

The ascendancy of economic liberalism pushed Hamer from power but it did not stop his involvement in public life. He continued to work in support of the arts.

He also continued to pursue some of Australia’s most important political issues in a way that was agonistic, not antagonistic. Conceding nothing to the prevailing winds of conservatism within his party, he championed the republican cause.

Hamer’s commitment to public life is his most important legacy. Unfashionable as it may be, never has active citizenship and civic involvement been of more importance for Australian democracy than it is now.