Reshuffle of the Malinauskas State cabinet

May 2024 "What I am so grateful for is being able to lead such a united team in this Labor government," Premier Peter Malinauskas said as he was surrounded by his revised Cabinet and media last week on the lawns of Government House. Independent MP Dan Cregan, formerly the Speaker of the House, is the big winner in an SA government cabinet reshuffle and ministerial expansion prompted by the resignation of fellow independent Geoff Brock. At a ceremony at Government House, Mr Cregan was sworn in as Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services. It is Labor’s first reshuffle since the party took power at the state election in 2022, and has been used by the premier to expand his ministry “to best align with key emerging opportunities and challenges in South Australia’s economy”. Minister Nick Champion takes on an expanded role in what the government is calling the “super portfolio” of Housing and Urban Development, which includes oversight of SA Water, and will also include responsibility for boosting the state’s housing stock. “Supply is the only answer, both land supply and the supply of houses and apartments,” he said. Deputy Premier Susan Close has lost Defence and Space Industries to Treasurer Stephen Mullighan, and has also lost oversight of SA Water, but maintains Climate, Environment and Water. Ms Close has also been given the new portfolio of Workforce and Population Strategy, which will function as part of the Department for Industry, Innovation and Science. Former police minister Joe Szakacs is now in charge of Trade and Investment, as well as the Local Government and Veterans Affairs portfolios left vacant by Mr Brock’s resignation. Tom Koutsantonis picks up Mr Brock’s other portfolio, Regional Roads, adding to his role as Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.

Greek Tribune Adelaide, South Australia