A major South Australian cabinet reshuffle announced Friday has elevated trade unionist Joe Szakacs to Minister for Industry, Innovation & Science.
The changes were triggered by deputy premier and the minister for the last three years Dr Susan Close and Treasurer Stephen Mulligan standing aside ahead of their retirement at the next election in March.
Dr Close has served as deputy leader of the South Australian Labor Party for most of the last decade. First elected in 2012, she has held portfolios spanning education, climate, environment, and industry and innovation for the last three years.
She described leaving politics as “the hardest decision I have ever made” but said she wanted to exit “with fuel left in the tank, not to stagger to the finish line”.
Dr Close has been replaced by Joe Szakacs, a former trade unionist who entered parliament in 2019 and served as has served as the Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services in the Malinauskas government.
“I’m privileged and humbled to be charged with this important economic work,” he said in a statement.
“I am passionate about maximising the generational opportunities we have before us as South Australians, and to maximise those economic benefits and shared prosperity for all.
Mr Mullighan has been treasurer since 2022 and is credited with returning the budget to surplus and maintaining the state’s Triple-A credit rating outlook. First elected in 2014, he has also held transport, housing, defence industries and police portfolios.
He said “after working at senior levels of government for over 22 years, it is time for change,” and paid tribute to his family and constituents for their support.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said both departures marked “a significant day in our state’s political history”, adding “their determination to get things done have delivered results for South Australians now, but have also set our state up for the long term”.
The premier confirmed the new cabinet line-up on Friday, with Kyam Maher elected deputy leader. Additionally, Member for Adelaide Lucy Hood and Member for King Rhiannon Pearce were elevated to Cabinet. Member for Elder Nadia Clancy will serve as an Assistant Minister.
The Albanese Government has begun the search for a new ASIC chair following confirmation that Joseph Longo will step down when his term ends in May 2026.
Mr Longo has led the corporate regulator since 2021, overseeing enforcement during a period of heightened economic and technological disruption. Treasury said the process to appoint his successor will be conducted in the usual “methodical and considered way”.
Recruitment is also underway for a new APRA deputy chair after Margaret Cole advised she will not seek an extension beyond her current term, which finishes in June 2026.
Ms Cole has served four years at APRA, first as a member and then as deputy chair. The government acknowledged her significant contribution in strengthening prudential oversight.
National peak body IoT Alliance Australia announced the appointment of Adam Beck as its new chief executive officer. Mr Beck, a recognised leader in digital enablement across cities and infrastructure, will steer the Alliance through a new chapter of growth and transformation.
University of Sydney chancellor David Thodey confirmed that the university’s Senate has unanimously approved a second five-year term for Professor Mark Scott as vice-chancellor and president. His second term will begin on 19 July 2026.
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