New South Australian Cabinet Commences First Full Day of Business

Adelaide Enters New Chapter as Re-elected Cabinet Takes the Reins

Following a decisive victory in last Saturday’s state election, the re-elected Labor government led by Premier Peter Malinauskas has officially commenced its first full day of operations today, Thursday, 26 March 2026. The new cabinet, which was formally sworn in yesterday by Governor Frances Adamson at Government House, includes significant structural changes aimed at revitalizing South Australia’s health and infrastructure sectors.

Government Gazette Records Historic Reshuffle

An official edition of the South Australian Government Gazette is scheduled for publication this afternoon, providing the formal record of the ministry’s new composition. This week’s Gazette is expected to be one of the most consequential in recent years, documenting the transition of several key portfolios. Among the most notable shifts is the appointment of Blair Boyer as the Minister for Health and Wellbeing, replacing Chris Picton. Picton has been moved to the State Development portfolio, which now encompasses defense, space industries, and artificial intelligence.

New Portfolio Dedicated to the City of Adelaide

In a move specifically targeting the metropolitan area, Premier Malinauskas has created a new ministerial role: the Minister for the City of Adelaide. Lucy Hood, who also takes on the Education, Training, and Skills portfolio, has been appointed to this inaugural position. The role is designed to enhance economic development within the CBD and foster closer collaboration between the state government and the Adelaide City Council. Local leaders anticipate this will streamline major urban projects that have faced delays during the previous term.

Immediate Legislative Priorities

While the new state parliament has yet to be formally sworn in, ministers are reportedly meeting today to finalize the legislative agenda for the upcoming session. Key priorities discussed during the first cabinet briefing include:

• Implementation of a stamp duty abolition for seniors downsizing to new homes.
• A strategic review of the City Connector bus services following advocacy from the Adelaide City Council earlier this week.
• Addressing the ongoing housing crisis through newly appointed Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion.

A Focus on Continuity and Growth

The first full day of the second Malinauskas term signals a focus on stability, with Deputy Premier Kyam Maher and Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis retaining their core responsibilities. As the official notices are published in the Gazette today, the administration prepares for a busy first 100 days, with city leaders looking to align municipal infrastructure goals with the state’s renewed mandate for growth.