New era under a Liberal Government

April 2018

New South Australian Premier Stephen Marshall has announced his Cabinet last week with Riverland MP Tim Whetstone, being the new Minister for Agriculture, food, fisheries, forests and regional development.

Premier Steven Marshall, will keep the portfolios of Aboriginal affairs and reconciliation, defence and space industries, arts, veterans affairs and multicultural affairs.

Vickie Chapman is Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, consumer and business affairs and Veteran Liberal politician Rob Lucas is the new Treasurer, Industrial relations and public sector.

David Pisoni, is Minister for Employment, manufacturing and innovation, automotive transformation, science and information economy, state development, small business.

David Ridgeway takes on tourism, investment and trade while Michelle Lensink takes control of Communities and social inclusion, social housing, status of women, youth, volunteers, disabilities.

Other members of the cabinet include Corey Wingard (police, emergency services), Dan van Holst Pellekaan (Mineral resources and energy), Stephan Knoll (Transport and Infrastructure), David Speirs (Murray River), Stephen Wade (Health, ageing, mental health) John Gardner (Education and child development) and Rachel Sanderson (Child protection reform).

Vincent Tarzia who retained the seat of Heartley for the Liberals against Nick Xenophon, is expected to be nominated for the speaker’s job when Parliament resumes.

In the new 47 member Parliament, the Liberals will have 25 MPs while the ALP is down to 19. Nick Xenophon’s SA Best has a bleak future, after failing to win Lower House sits. Nick Xenophon is completely out of Parliament, his party however, has won two seats in the Upper House, with Connie Bonaros and Frank Pangalo. Also, three independents are keeping their Lower House seats, Troy Bell in Mount Gambier, Geoff Brock in Frome (Port Pirie), and Frances Bedford in Florey.

Former premier Jay Weatherill has resigned as Leader of the ALP but he will retain his sit of Cheltenham. Ex-health minister Peter Malinauskas is the candidate for the ALP leadership in SA.