Record Number of Women in New Ministry

The Malinauskas Labor Government has broken another record for representation of women in Cabinet, with women now outnumbering men for the first time.

The reshuffle prompted by the impending political retirements of Susan Close and Stephen Mullighan sees two first-term MPs elevated to Cabinet – the Member for King, Rhiannon Pearce and the Member for Adelaide, Lucy Hood.

Rhiannon Pearce becomes Minster for Emergency Services & Correctional Services, and Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Having already held the role of Assistant Minister for Junior Sport Participation, Ms Pearce will continue to develop her critical mission to get more kids off screens and participating in healthy physical pursuits.

Lucy Hood will take on responsibility managing the state’s natural environment as Minister for Climate, Environment and Water. As Member for Adelaide, Ms Hood has a significant interest in ensuring strong environmental outcomes for her community, and will play a crucial role in helping prepare the capital city to host the international COP 31 climate conference, should Australia’s bid to host the major event be successful.

The new-look ministry was officially sworn in this morning at Government House, with Kyam Maher MLC appointed as Deputy Premier. Mr Maher will continue as the Attorney-General and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in addition to his duties as Deputy Premier.

The Member for Elder, Nadia Clancy has been elevated to the role of Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. As the State Government delivers a record investment in dozens of new mental health beds, Ms Clancy will use the role to build upon her achievements as the Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention.

Mental health and suicide touch all of us in one way or another and I feel very privileged to be given the opportunity to drive our work in these areas as an Assistant Minister.

I am proud to be part of a Government that is committed to reducing suicide and improving the mental health and wellbeing of South Australians, and elevating these issues is further evidence of that commitment.

As the Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention I have been able to connect with people with lived experience, service providers, clinicians and volunteers in this space. I thank them for their generosity, and I look forward to continuing and expanding my work with the sector and the broader South Australian community.