South Australia’s political landscape is set for a major shake-up, with Deputy Premier Susan Close and Treasurer Stephen Mullighan announcing they will step aside from State Cabinet and retire from Parliament at the March election.
The pair, who have each served in senior frontbench roles for more than a decade, informed Premier Peter Malinauskas of their decision, marking the end of an era for Labor’s leadership team.
Dr Close, who has represented Port Adelaide since 2012, has played a pivotal role in education, environment and social reform, from introducing phonics checks and pushing for three-year-old preschool, to banning puppy farms, tripling RSPCA funding and driving climate change legislation. She has also overseen portfolios in climate, environment, water, innovation, science and workforce strategy.
Mr Mullighan, elected in 2014, entered Cabinet immediately as Transport and Infrastructure Minister before taking on Housing, Treasury, Defence, Space and Police. As Treasurer, he returned the state budget to surplus, improved South Australia’s credit outlook, and presided over what has been recognised as the best-performing economy in the nation.
Premier Malinauskas described both as “formidable intellects” and “close confidantes,” acknowledging their leadership and the legacy of reforms that will shape South Australia for decades to come.
Dr Close said leaving politics was “the hardest decision” she had ever made but felt the time was right to go while “still with enough energy to embrace the next challenge.”
Mr Mullighan said after 22 years working in government, “it is time for change,” adding that now was the right time for him, his family and the government.
The Premier will announce details of a Cabinet reshuffle tomorrow.
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