Vignette 80: Pride legacy of Dr George Duncan

It has been over half a century since the death of Dr George Duncan, who drowned after being thrown into Karrawirra Pari, the River Torrens. In the wake of national outrage, the tragedy became a catalyst for homosexual law reform and strengthened the University’s commitment to inclusive and respectful environments. 

Dr George Ian Ogilvie Duncan (1930–1972) joined the University in 1972 to teach legal history and Roman law. Arriving from a teaching post at Cambridge, he was killed just six weeks later. The response to this event triggered allegations of a police cover-up, and an investigation by detectives from London’s New Scotland Yard. More than 50 years later, there remain no convictions. 

The University was instrumental in making sure Duncan’s death was not forgotten and publicly advocated for the Government to change the law. From 1972 the government, led by Premier Don Dunstan, made efforts at law reform, and in 1975 they decriminalised homosexual acts between consenting adults and equalised the age of consent. South Australia was the first state to do so, with similar reforms progressively implemented across Australia.

The University is custodian of Dr Duncan’s grave as a tribute to his memory, embodying a significant and historic chapter in the progression of human rights and LGBTQI+ rights in South Australia and nationwide.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for people who identify as LGBTQI+. We promote and encourage participation in the ALLY Network, a group of staff and students who strongly support the creation of safe work and study environments free of harassment or discrimination.

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Leading for the future. p.113