Graham Gunn

Who is Graham Gunn?

Graham McDonald Gunn, AM, Australian politician, was a member of the South Australian House of Assembly. He represented the electoral district of Stuart and was a member of the Liberal Party of Australia. First elected to Parliament at the 1970 state election, Gunn was the longest-serving member of any Parliament throughout Australia in the last years of his term.

Attending Adelaide's prestigious Scotch College, Gunn pursued a career as a farmer and grazier. He served as on the Streaky Bay Council between 1966 and 1970. Upon his election to Parliament at the age of 27, he was one of Australia's youngest politicians.

Gunn won the position of Speaker during the Brown Liberal Government but lost it upon the ascendancy to the leadership of John Olsen.

Gunn faced a strong challenge from Labor candidate Justin Jarvis in the 2006 state election, with the final result not being known until nine days after the election. Gunn ultimately emerged victorious, though with a narrower margin than previously.

Gunn retired at the 2010 state election. The Liberals pre-selected former national basketball player Dan Van Holst Pellekaan to defend his electorate of Stuart.

On Australia Day 2011, Gunn was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.