South Australian Government Reshuffle: Key Changes and New Appointments
The South Australian Government has undergone a series of changes to Cabinet following the resignation of the Hon Dan Cregan MP, which was announced by Premier Peter Malinauskas on the 29th of January 2025. The reshuffle includes several key changes to the Cabinet and ministerial portfolios, these changes aim to strengthen the government’s focus on key areas such as autism support, artificial intelligence, emergency services, and policing.
Key Ministerial Changes
The Autism portfolio has been elevated to Cabinet for the first time, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Autistic South Australians. Hon Emily Bourke MLC, previously the Assistant Minister for Autism, has been promoted to Minister for Autism. She will also assume the portfolios of Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, and Minister for Recreation, Sport & Racing.
Michael Brown MP has been appointed as the Assistant Minister for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Digital Economy. This newly created role emphasizes the government’s dedication to positioning South Australia at the forefront of AI and digital advancements. Brown, a former IT professional and Chair of the Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence, brings relevant expertise to the position.
Hon Kyam Maher MLC has taken on an expanded role as Special Minister of State, adding responsibilities over electoral matters, the Electoral Commissioner, and parliamentary resources. Treasurer Stephen Mullighan MP has been appointed as Minister for Police, taking on oversight of major investments in frontline policing, including an $81.8 million commitment to recruit 189 additional Protective Security Officers (PSOs).
Minister Katrine Hildyard MP has relinquished the Recreation, Sport & Racing portfolio to focus more exclusively on her roles as Minister for Child Protection and Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence. This shift enables her to lead the government’s response to the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence, which is expected to release its report in July 2025.
Government’s Strategic Focus
The elevation of Autism to a Cabinet portfolio reflects a sustained commitment to making South Australia an Autism-inclusive state. Minister Bourke will continue her work on the State’s Autism Strategy 2024-2029. South Australia has a history of pioneering AI initiatives, and the new AI portfolio will facilitate further investment and technological growth. The expanded police portfolio underscores the government’s focus on increasing law enforcement personnel and ensuring public safety. With the upcoming Royal Commission findings, the government is prioritising reforms and policies to tackle domestic and family violence effectively.
Political Reactions
Premier Malinauskas praised Minister Bourke’s achievements in Autism advocacy and expressed confidence in Michael Brown’s ability to drive AI and digital economic advancements. The opposition criticised the delay in appointing a dedicated Minister for Child Protection, arguing that Minister Hildyard’s previous workload was excessive.
Revised Ministry Order of Precedence
Following the reshuffle, the updated South Australian Ministry includes:
- Minister for Autism, Emergency Services, and Correctional Services: Hon. Emily Bourke MLC
- Assistant Minister for AI and the Digital Economy: Michael Brown MP
See the media release from the Government of South Australia website here. The full ministry appears below.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Ministry – Order of Precedence
| Title | Minister | Electorate |
| Premier Member of Executive Council | The Hon PETER BRYDEN MALINAUSKAS, BCom, MP | Member for Croydon |
| Deputy Premier Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Minister for Workforce and Population Strategy Member of Executive Council | The Hon Dr SUSAN ELIZABETH CLOSE, BA (Hons), PhD, MP | Member for Port Adelaide |
| Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Attorney-General Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector Special Minister of State Member of Executive Council Leader of Government Business in the Legislative Council | The Hon KYAM JOSEPH MAHER, LLB, BEc, GDLP, MLC | Member of the Legislative Council |
| Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Minister for Energy and Mining Member of Executive Council Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly | The Hon ANASTASIOS (TOM) KOUTSANTONIS, MP | Member for West Torrens |
| Treasurer Minister for Defence and Space Industries Minister for Police Member of Executive Council | The Hon STEPHEN CAMPBELL MULLIGHAN, BA, MP | Member for Lee |
| Minister for Tourism Minister for Multicultural Affairs Member of Executive Council | The Hon ZOE LEE BETTISON, BA, MBA, MP | Member for Ramsay |
| Minister for Health and Wellbeing Member of Executive Council | The Hon CHRISTOPHER (CHRIS) JAMES PICTON, LLB/LP, BA, MP | Member for Kaurna |
| Minister for Child Protection Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Member of Executive Council | The Hon KATRINE ANNE HILDYARD, BA, MP | Member for Reynell |
| Minister for Human Services Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well Member of Executive Council | The Hon NATALIE (NAT) FLEUR COOK, BNsg, MP | Member for Hurtle Vale |
| Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister for Forest Industries Member of Executive Council | The Hon CLARE MICHELE SCRIVEN, GDipMgmt, GCertPubSecMgmt, MLC | Member of the Legislative Council |
| Minister for Education, Training and Skills Member of Executive Council | The Hon BLAIR INGRAM BOYER, BA, LLB, MP | Member for Wright |
| Minister for Small and Family Business Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs Minister for Arts Member of Executive Council | The Hon ANDREA MICHAELS, LLB, BCom, GDLP, MP | Member for Enfield |
| Minister for Trade and Investment Minister for Local Government Minister for Veterans Affairs Member of Executive Council | The Hon JOSEPH (JOE) KARL SZAKACS, LLB/LP, MP | Member for Cheltenham |
| Minister for Housing and Urban Development Minister for Housing Infrastructure Minister for Planning Member of Executive Council | The Hon NICHOLAS (NICK) DAVID CHAMPION, MP | Member for Wakefield |
| Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services Minister for Autism Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Member of Executive Council | The Hon EMILY BOURKE, MLC | Member of the Legislative Council |
| Assistant Minister for Junior Sport Participation | RHIANNON PEARCE, MP | Member for King |
| Assistant Minister for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Digital Economy | MICHAEL BROWN, MP | Member for Florey |