Arabic version: رئيس وزراء أستراليا الجنوبية يكشف عن حكومة جديدة بعد انتصار الانتخابات
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has announced a major reshuffle of his cabinet following the Labor Party’s decisive election victory. The new cabinet was sworn in at Government House on Wednesday morning, marking a fresh start for the re-elected government.
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. Malinauskas emphasized that Picton’s move was not a demotion but rather an opportunity for him to engage in a different capacity.
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.
Other notable appointments include Joe Szakacs as the new infrastructure and transport minister, and Emily Bourke, who will oversee tourism, environment, climate, and water. New faces in the cabinet include Michael Brown as police minister, Nadia Clancy as minister for small business and multicultural affairs, and Alice Rolls, who will manage child protection.
Governor Frances Adamson officiated the swearing-in ceremony, where Malinauskas expressed his eagerness to move forward with the government’s agenda. He stated that the new cabinet is designed to capitalize on the opportunities ahead for South Australia. “All we want to do is get on with the job,” he said, underlining the swift establishment of the cabinet after the election.
The roles of Deputy Premier Kyam Maher and Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis remain largely unchanged, though Maher has taken on additional responsibilities as arts minister. Other ministers, including Emergency Services Minister Rhiannon Pearce and Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven, have retained their positions. The cabinet reshuffle comes as the government aims to implement new policies, including the abolition of stamp duty for seniors downsizing to new homes.
According to ABC News, the changes reflect a strategic approach to governance as the Labor Party seeks to maintain its momentum following the election victory.
