South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has announced a major reshuffle of his cabinet following the Labor Party's decisive election victory, with the new cabinet sworn in at Government House on Wednesday morning.
In a significant change, Chris Picton has been moved from the health portfolio to take on new responsibilities that include state development, defence and space industries, artificial intelligence, and veterans' affairs. Blair Boyer, a former education minister, will replace him in health.
Chris Picton has been dropped from his health job after the controversial sharing of patient information marred Labor's state election campaign. Picton apologised "unreservedly" last month for the email blunder that confused two patients with the same name and provided medical details to journalists.
Malinauskas emphasized that Picton's move was not a demotion but rather an opportunity for him to engage in a different capacity. The new economic portfolio addresses what the government views as significant strategic challenges. Speaking about the Cabinet, Mr Malinauskas said the Government is focused on delivery and preparing for emerging economic opportunities, particularly in defence, energy and advanced manufacturing. He pointed to the need for a coordinated approach across portfolios to support industries linked to the AUKUS submarine program and broader investment in regional resources such as copper, steel and critical minerals.
The Member for Elder, Nadia Clancy, the Member for Florey, Michael Brown, and incoming Member for Unley, Alice Rolls, have been selected by Caucus to join the Ministry. They replace outgoing Cabinet members Zoe Bettison, Andrea Michaels, and Nat Cook, who leave behind a combined decades-long contribution to the frontbench.
Clancy has been named Minister for Small and Family Business and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, with a focus on supporting local enterprises and community participation. First-time Unley MP and former lawyer Alice Rolls scored an immediate Cabinet role as Child Protection, Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Minister.
The reshuffle also sees Lucy Hood, who previously served as the environment minister, stepping into the role of education minister. Additionally, she has been given the newly-created position of City of Adelaide minister, aimed at enhancing economic development in the city.
The roles of Deputy Premier Kyam Maher and Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis remain largely unchanged, though Maher has taken on additional responsibilities as arts minister.
The changes come as the Government looks to progress key commitments, including housing, health, infrastructure and economic development.