In a surprising political shift, veteran Labor Minister Tom Koutsantonis has been appointed as South Australia’s Treasurer, following the unexpected resignations of Stephen Mullighan and Deputy Premier Susan Close from the Cabinet. Both announced on Thursday that they would not contest the upcoming state election, prompting a swift reshuffle within the state government.
The changes, which were formalized at a swearing-in ceremony at Government House on Friday morning, see Emily Bourke taking over Koutsantonis’ former role as Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. Koutsantonis, who previously served as Treasurer from 2014 to 2018 under Jay Weatherill’s administration, expressed optimism about the state’s economic prospects.
“South Australia is really entering a time when it’s going to grow. My job is to make sure we can sustain that,” Koutsantonis stated.
New Cabinet Appointments and Responsibilities
In addition to Koutsantonis’ return to the Treasury, Education Minister Blair Boyer has been appointed as the new Police Minister, while Joe Szakacs will take on Close’s former portfolio of Industry, Innovation, and Science. Adelaide MP Lucy Hood has been tasked with the challenging Climate, Environment, and Water portfolio, positioning her at the forefront of the state’s response to environmental issues, including the harmful algal bloom and the upcoming global climate change conference, COP31.
Rhiannon Pearce has been named the new Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, as well as taking on the Recreation, Sport, and Racing portfolio. Premier Peter Malinauskas has assumed Mullighan’s former Defence and Space Industries portfolio, while Kyam Maher has been appointed as the Deputy Leader of South Australia’s Parliamentary Labor Party, marking a historic moment as the first Indigenous Deputy Premier in the state’s history.
“I’ve been humbled by the messages from Aboriginal elders over the last 12 or 13 hours. It shows anybody can be anything they want to be,” Maher remarked.
Premier Malinauskas’ Vision for the Future
Premier Malinauskas expressed confidence in the newly reshuffled Cabinet, highlighting the blend of experience and fresh perspectives that the new appointments bring. He emphasized the importance of diversity and gender balance in his team, noting that for the first time, the Cabinet comprises more women than men.
“This reshuffle delivers significant new talent and fresh ideas to the front bench, balanced with stability, experience, continuity, and strength of leadership,” Malinauskas said. “My team reflects the rich diversity in our society.”
Malinauskas also praised the appointments of Rhiannon Pearce, Lucy Hood, and Nadia Clancy, recognizing their contributions and potential to drive the government’s agenda forward.
Resignations and Future Implications
The resignations of Mullighan and Close have sparked discussions about their timing and implications. Mullighan, who has served in various capacities over 22 years in state government, cited personal reasons for his departure, including a desire to spend more time with his family.
“These are very personal decisions for both Susan and I. But for me, I’m in a position where I’ve lost both my parents and Antonia [his wife] has lost her father,” Mullighan explained.
Close, who will continue as Vice President of the Australian Labor Party, expressed a desire to pursue new opportunities outside of politics, reflecting on the finite nature of life and the importance of personal fulfillment.
“Life is really short. I have been watching my mother disappear into dementia over the last four years, and it was for me an alarm bell reminding me that life is finite and it’s precious,” Close stated.
Opposition’s Response and Criticism
The Opposition has raised concerns about Mullighan’s recent taxpayer-funded trip to the United Kingdom, questioning whether it was appropriate given his impending resignation. Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia criticized the expenditure as a “golden goodbye” on public funds.
“South Australians deserve transparency on every cent spent, especially when it’s for a Minister who’s about to walk away from the job he was elected to do,” Tarzia argued.
As South Australia prepares for the upcoming election, the reshuffled Cabinet faces the challenge of maintaining stability and delivering on the government’s promises. With a blend of seasoned politicians and new faces, the government aims to navigate the complex political landscape and address the pressing issues facing the state.
