Wade, The Hon. S.G.

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. N.J. Centofanti:

That this council—

1. Notes the recent retirement of the Hon. Stephen Wade MLC after 16 years of service to the people and Parliament of South Australia;

2. Recognises his leadership as Minister for Health and Wellbeing throughout the COVID-19 pandemic; and

3. Wishes him well in his retirement from parliament and the years ahead.

(Continued from 1 June 2023.)

The Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO (18:05): It is my absolute pleasure to rise today to speak to this motion on the Hon. Stephen Wade, former member of the Legislative Council and former Minister for Health and Wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. I would like to thank him for his great service to our community, our state and our party over his distinguished career.

Stephen often commented on the similarities in the way in which we both began our political journeys to this place: we were both long-term members of the Liberal Party prior to entering parliament, both vice-presidents of the party at different times, both fifth on the ticket for our respective elections and both subsequently elected via casual vacancies to this place. While Stephen and I were both active Young Liberals during slightly different decades, Stephen was a member of Young Liberals with my parents back in the seventies and my parents speak very highly of their time in Young Liberals with Stephen.

Stephen is a man of great decency. He has always been such a warm, calm person, with a good sense of humour and an incredible work ethic. Being Minister for Health and Wellbeing is never an easy role. I would argue it is the most challenging of all portfolios. Being health minister during the COVID-19 pandemic could not have been easy, but Stephen displayed such grace and resilience. He worked tirelessly with the Premier to keep our state safe. This government has promised a lot relating to health, yet ramping is double what it was under our watch, further highlighting the incredible job Stephen did during his time as minister.

We will all miss his sense of humour, warmth and encouragement. Even after his time as minister had finished, he continued to mentor and support many members of our team, passing on his extensive knowledge gained over his 16-year career. Although his time in this place has finished, I know that the Liberal Party is in his DNA and he will continue to support all of us here and our party going forward.

I wish Stephen and Tracey all the very best for the next chapter of their lives together. Thank you, Stephen, for your service to our community, our state and our party.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. R.P. Wortley.

At 18:08 the council adjourned until Thursday 15 June 2023 at 11:00.