South Australian Liberals unveil shadow ministry

The South Australian Liberal Party has announced its new shadow ministry, with the leader saying a position would have been available for Vickie Chapman if she didn’t quit the party.

The full front bench was revealed by newly chosen Opposition leader David Speirs, with parliament’s first sitting to take place next month.

Mr Speirs said there could have been a position available on his cabinet for the former Deputy Leader and Attorney-General Ms Chapman if she had not announced her leave from parliament earlier this week.

“She has immense experience. She contributed a lot to the party and to the state,” Mr Speirs said.

“I hope Vickie will continue to mentor some of the people in the shadow cabinet and parliament.

“She’s indicated that she’d love to get alongside some of the younger women in the team and provide them with support … I welcome that, 100 per cent.”

As expected, Matt Cowdrey was named the treasury spokesman and Heidi Girolamo was made the finance spokeswoman in a newly created role.

Mr Speirs had already announced he would be the family and small business spokesman as well as party leader.

He will also take on the portfolios of environment, public service and disability.

Former education minister John Gardner will remain the spokesman for that portfolio and also take on arts and festivals.

Party newcomer Ashton Hurn will take over as spokeswoman for health, a portfolio previously held by Stephen Wade.

She said she didn’t volunteer for the large portfolio, but advised the leader she wanted to serve in whatever capacity he saw fit.

Ms Hurn, a former key media adviser under former Premier Steven Marshall’s government, said she was confident the party would win the next state election under Mr Speirs’ leadership.

Tim Whetstone, who left Mr Marshall’s cabinet in 2020, was chosen as spokesman of police and community safety, road safety, corrections and mental health and suicide prevention.

“(Tim) showed an ability to connect with regional South Australia in a way that flowed through to his result on Election Day,” Mr Speirs said.

“Having someone like Tim who has got ministerial experience in the shadow cabinet is very important.”

Three former Liberal Ministers Stephen Wade, David Basham and David Pisoni were not selected.

Mr Speirs joked about wanting to be the only David on the team, but clarified all three told him they didn’t want to continue in the shadow ministry.

The leader was quick to deny suggestions any of the newly elected shadow ministers threatened to quit if they weren’t picked, as it was speculated with Mr Cowdrey.

Mr Cowdrey himself also ruled it out.

“I think it’s quite funny,” Mr Cowdrey said.

“Making threats is certainly not what I’m about and the way I carry myself.”

Mr Speirs was elected party leader early this week with a landslide 18 votes, while Mr Gardner was chosen as his deputy.

Nicola Centofanti was made leader in the upper house and Jing Lee was elected her deputy.

SEE THE FULL CABINET BELOW:

David Speirs MP: Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Environment, Small and Family Business, Public Service, and Disability

John Gardner MP: Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Education, Training and Skills, and Arts and Festivals

Nicola Centofanti MLC: Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Shadow Minister for Regional South Australia, Primary Industries, and Water Resources & the River Murray

Jing Lee MLC: Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Shadow Minister for Multicultural South Australia, Communities, and Tourism and Hospitality

Michelle Lensink MLC: Shadow Minister for Planning, Social and Community Housing, Housing Affordability and Urban Development, and Women

Ashton Hurn MP: Shadow Minister for Health

Vincent Tarzia MP: Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, and Sport, Recreation and Racing

Stephen Patterson MP: Shadow Minister for Energy and Net Zero, Mining and Defence and Space Industries

Josh Teague MP: Opposition Attorney-General, Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Child Protection, and Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence

Matthew Cowdrey OAM MP: Shadow Treasurer

Penny Pratt MP: Shadow Minister for Regional Health Services, Ageing, and Preventative Health and Wellbeing

Heidi Girolamo MLC: Shadow Minister for Finance, Trade and Investment, and the Circular Economy

Tim Whetstone MP: Shadow Minister for Police and Community Safety, Road Safety, Corrections, and Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Adrian Pederick MP: Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs, Emergency Services, and Regional Roads

Sam Telfer MP: Shadow Minister for Local Government, Regional Population Growth, and Regional Planning

Nick McBride MP: Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Engagement