Sir Richard Davies Hanson

4th Premier of South Australia

British-born Richard Davies Hanson was the 4th Premier of South Australia serving from 30 September 1857 to 8 May 1860. Prior to his premiership Hanson was attorney-general in the first ministry under Boyle Travers Finniss. After leaving parliament he became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South Australia from 1861-76. In 1872-3 he was Acting Governor of South Australia and the following year was elected the first Chancellor of the University of Adelaide. During his time as a member of the Legislative Council, Hanson played a leading role in the passage of the District Councils Act, the first of its kind in Australia designed to encourage local democracy.