GAWLER River-raised Liberal legislative council member John Dawkins has backed Premier Steven Marshall’s new cabinet to deliver for the Gawler region in the wake of the Country Members Travel Allowance scandal.
Mr Marshall unveiled his new cabinet last Tuesday after three ministers, including Member for Schubert Stephan Knoll, resigned over their role in the scandal which saw several MPs collectively repay more than $100,000 in taxpayer money.
Three new members feature in the new cabinet, and two existing ministers will take on the responsibility of Mr Knoll’s former planning, transport, infrastructure and local government portfolio.
Speaking to The Bunyip, Mr Dawkins, who will retire from politics at the next state election, said the new and existing ministers created a strong team.
“These changes happen,” he said. “This is an unexpected change, but it’s one that he (Mr Marshall) has worked well to bring forward the people who will take the places of the people who aren’t in the ministry anymore.
“I look forward to working with all of them.”
Energy minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan is now the only member of the premier’s cabinet whose electorate covers any part of the Gawler region – his seat of Stuart covers Kapunda – following Mr Knoll’s resignation.
The three new ministers are former lower house speaker Vincent Tarzia, Finniss MP David Basham and Member for Morphett Stephen Patterson.
The police, emergency services and corrections portfolio will be Mr Tarzia’s responsibility, while Mr Basham will look after primary industries and Mr Patterson trade and investment.
Mr Knoll’s former portfolio has been split between two ministers, with Corey Wingard, now taking care of transport and infrastructure as well as recreation, sport and racing.
Attorney-General Vicki Chapman will add planning and local government to her portfolio.
Mr Dawkins expected Mr Basham and Mr Wingard in particular would be active in the Gawler region with their respective portfolios.
“I spent time over the weekend with David Basham… I’m sure he’ll be keeping an eye on this part of the world because its really important (for primary industries),” he said.
“Corey (Wingard) has a track record with all his stuff with emergency services and recreation and sport of delivering projects that are meaningful for local communities.
“I think you’ll find he’ll be very willing to listen to local communities and local councils in relation to this (the transport and infrastructure portfolio).”
In announcing the changes last week, the Premier said he had faith in his new cabinet to deliver during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My new Cabinet brings together a wealth of experience and expertise in key portfolio areas, with some incredibly talented new Ministers who will add fresh energy, enthusiasm and skills to their roles,” he said.
“Together, we will continue to work tirelessly for the people of South Australia on the important work they elected us to do to create jobs, improve services and reduce household and business costs.”
NEW BLOOD: The changes to Steven Marshall’s cabinet
Member for Hartley Vincent Tarzia*
- Police, emergency services and correctional services minister
Member for Finniss David Basham*
- Primary industries and regions minister
Member for Morphett Stephen Patterson*
- Trade and investment minister
Member for Gibson Corey Wingard
- Transport and infrastructure and recreation, sport and racing minister
Member for Bragg Vicki Chapman
- Attorney-General and planning and local government minister
*Denotes first-time minister