Ministerial Statement

Member for Stuart

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (14:00): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS: The member for Stuart is a great South Australian. Throughout his substantial career he has made his local community a better place. He has made South Australia a better place. The member for Stuart has informed me of his resignation from the state cabinet but importantly his intention to continue to serve as the member for Stuart.

The member for Stuart has served with distinction as the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Roads and Minister for Veterans Affairs since the election of this government in March 2022. He served as Minister for Regional Development and Local Government in the Weatherill government from 2014 to 2018. Throughout both his terms in cabinet, he has provided a strong, independent regional voice.

The member for Stuart suffered three heart attacks and underwent quadruple bypass surgery at the end of June last year. Throughout his recovery, from his lifechanging medical episode, the member for Stuart and I have discussed his ongoing role in the ministry. I am grateful that the member for Stuart agreed to stay on in cabinet through the recent significant Major Economic Summit in Upper Spencer Gulf.

In our discussions, Minister Brock has expressed a desire to step back from cabinet so he can focus all his energy on his role as the member for Stuart. I am grateful he intends to continue serving and will seek re-election as the member for Stuart, an electorate he knows well and understands deeply.

I am also thankful we will continue to have the member's guidance, input and advice on key projects which were outlined through the State Prosperity Project, a transformative opportunity to deliver benefits to our entire state, including the communities he represents. The member for Stuart has been a champion for jobs in his community and was integral in securing the future of the smelter in Port Pirie. I know he will continue to ensure Upper Spencer Gulf realises the full potential of the State Prosperity Project.

I want to thank him for his thoughtful and cooperative contribution to state cabinet. We have been a stronger government for it. I thank the member for his service to date and I also want to thank his partner, Lyn, and daughters Hayley and Marisa for their support they have provided the member for Stuart and will continue to provide him in the years ahead. In due course, I will make further announcements about a subsequent reshuffle.