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Koutsantonis Returns as SA Treasurer as Maher Becomes Deputy Premier After Senior Exits

The swift reshuffle aims to steady the government ahead of the March 2026 election.

Overview

  • Tom Koutsantonis was sworn in as treasurer and Kyam Maher as deputy premier at Government House on Friday following the resignations of Susan Close and Stephen Mullighan.
  • Adelaide MP Lucy Hood was elevated to cabinet to take the climate, environment and water portfolio, placing her in charge of the state’s algal bloom response.
  • King MP Rhiannon Pearce entered cabinet to oversee emergency services and corrections as well as recreation, sport and racing, while Emily Bourke assumed transport and infrastructure.
  • Education Minister Blair Boyer added the police portfolio and Premier Peter Malinauskas took on defence and space industries.
  • Close and Mullighan will remain in parliament until the March 2026 election, and the premier highlighted a milestone with more women than men in cabinet as the opposition questioned the government’s handling of the algal bloom.