Peter Malinauskas’ cabinet carve up after shock resignation of two senior ministers before 2026 election

The South Australia government has been rocked by a shock announcement that the two of its most senior ministers will quit politics at the next election. Premier Peter Malinauskas announced the resignation of his Deputy Premier Susan Close and Treasurer Stephen Mullighan at a snap press conference on Thursday morning. The pair will both be replaced as ministers on Friday and will retire from politics entirely at the state election set for next March. Mr Malinauskas confirmed both senior ministers had informed him of the news separately a few weeks ago. “I’ve known Susan and Stephen for a long time and they’re good friends of mine and they’ve been [an] incredible support to me in different ways over the last few years and I’m really sad to see them go,” Mr Malinauskas said. “I’m here today to make it very clear that my persuasive powers failed, and they have both announced their resignation to our cabinet earlier today from cabinet and their intention to not contest the next state election.” Ms Close was elected to the seat of Port Adelaide in 2012 and has served as the deputy leader of the SA Labor Party for more than seven years, while Mr Mullighan was elected in 2014 in the seat of Lee. Ms Close, who currently holds three portfolios including that of Climate, Environment and Water said she had been wrestling with calling time on her career in politics for some time. “I know that leaving politics at a time of my choice and still with enough energy to embrace the next challenge is a rare privilege,” she said. “I had always planned to leave with fuel left in the tank, not to stagger to the finish line, but to still have something to offer.” Mr Mullighan said family commitments had played a significant part in his decision to step away from politics, after 22 years of work in “senior levels of government”. “I didn’t feel I had another four years of committing this much time and effort to these roles to the exclusion of the time that I can show at home as a husband and as a father,” he said. “I realise this will come as a surprise to many people but after working at senior levels of government over 22 years, it is time for change,” Mr Mullighan said. “I’m a strong believer in getting in, having a crack and getting as much done as possible, and the handing over the reins.” The shock announcement will trigger a cabinet reshuffle, though the Premier refused to be drawn on who the potential replacements for his outgoing senior ministers could be. Mr Malinauskas said new ministers will be sworn in the coming days.