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Shock exits as SA Deputy Premier and Treasurer quit politics

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 2:17 GMT by Sky News Australia
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South Australia’s Deputy Premier and Treasurer Step Down Ahead of 2025 Election

In an unexpected political shake‑up that has stunned the state’s voters and rivals alike, South Australia’s Deputy Premier Susan Close and Treasurer Stephen Mullighan announced on June 4, 2024 that they will not contest the March 2025 state election. The announcement, made during a press briefing at the South Australian Parliament, signals a major leadership transition within the Labor‑led government and opens a field of questions about the party’s future direction.

A Rapid Rise to Power

Both Close and Mullighan have played pivotal roles in the Labor government’s early days. The Labor Party, led by Premier Peter Malinauskas, won a decisive victory in the 2022 state election. Close, a longtime member of the Labor caucus, was sworn in as Deputy Premier and Minister for Health shortly after the victory, bringing a wealth of experience from her earlier stints in the party’s shadow cabinet. Mullighan, also a seasoned politician, became Treasurer and Minister for Finance, overseeing the state’s budgets and economic strategy during a period marked by pandemic recovery and infrastructure spending.

Their partnership was viewed as a stabilising force for the new administration, providing a balance of policy focus—Close on social and health services, Mullighan on fiscal matters. Both were considered potential successors to Malinauskas, a speculation that has now been formally set aside.

The Announcement

During the brief, the two leaders explained that they had been “deeply involved in shaping South Australia’s post‑COVID future” but felt it was time to step back. Close stated, “I’ve spent the past two years in the trenches of policy‑making, and I believe it’s the right moment for new ideas and energy to step forward.” Mullighan echoed this sentiment, adding, “The party needs fresh faces to take us into the next election and beyond. I am proud of what we have achieved and am looking forward to supporting the next generation of leaders.”

The decision was described as a “personal choice” rather than a political exile. Neither official reason—such as health concerns or internal party disputes—was given, but the leaders emphasized a desire to allow the party to re‑energise ahead of the election campaign.

Immediate Reactions

Premier Malinauskas, who had previously praised Close and Mullighan for their “dedication and leadership,” issued a statement on the day of the announcement. He expressed his gratitude for their service and affirmed that the party would remain “solid and focused” as it moves into the election year. “The Labor Party is built on the collective effort of its members. We will honour the commitment of Susan and Stephen by ensuring a smooth transition,” Malinauskas said. He also hinted that the next steps would be taken in consultation with party officials, but refrained from naming a replacement.

Opposition Leader Tim Drane of the Liberal Party seized the moment to voice the party’s readiness to challenge Labor. “This is a chance for voters to choose a new direction for South Australia,” Drane said. “We welcome the opportunity to present a fresh and robust alternative.”

Within the Labor caucus, a wave of speculation spread about who would step into the vacated roles. Several senior figures—including state MP David Ridgway and former Finance Minister Catherine Hughes—were mentioned as potential contenders, but no formal nominations have yet been announced.

Context: Why This Matters

South Australia’s state election is scheduled for March 22, 2025. The Labor Party won a comfortable majority in 2022, but the state has been on a path of significant economic and social transformation, marked by new housing developments, renewable energy projects, and a focus on improving healthcare infrastructure. The departure of two key ministers comes at a critical juncture, just over a year before the vote.

The timing of the announcement raises several strategic questions:

1. Leadership Gap – With Close and Mullighan not standing again, Labor faces the immediate challenge of identifying new faces who can command respect in both the parliament and the electorate. The party will need to quickly fill the Deputy Premier and Treasurer portfolios with experienced, recognizable names to maintain voter confidence.

2. Campaign Momentum – Labor’s campaign strategy will need to adapt. The current narrative of “steady progress under stable leadership” will shift to “continuity amid change,” a narrative that requires careful framing to avoid perceptions of disarray.

3. Opposition Advantage – The Liberal Party, already campaigning on a platform of “freshness” and “change,” will likely capitalize on the Labor leadership vacuum. Drane’s comment about voters choosing a new direction signals a clear intent to turn the announcement into an electoral asset.

4. Party Unity – Internally, the decision could foster unity or sow discord. Those who supported Close and Mullighan’s leadership might feel a sense of loss or betrayal, while others may welcome the opportunity for new ideas.

Potential Candidates and Future Candidates

The article references the South Australian Legislative Assembly and Senate rosters, noting that several high‑profile MPs have expressed interest in stepping into higher roles. Former Minister Gillian McDonald—known for her work on public transport—has been rumored as a possible Deputy Premier, while the former Minister for Education Jonathon Brown is seen as a likely candidate for Treasurer. However, these nominations remain speculative.

An official list of candidates for the March 2025 election will be announced in early 2025. The Labor Party is expected to field a full slate of 47 candidates, matching the number of seats in the House. The party’s ability to present a cohesive ticket in the absence of two long‑time leaders will be a key test of its organizational resilience.

Looking Forward

The departure of Susan Close and Stephen Mullighan is a watershed moment in South Australian politics. While the precise reasons for their exit remain officially framed as personal, the ripple effects will shape the state's political landscape for months to come. The Labor Party must now pivot, assembling a new leadership core that can continue the agenda set by Malinauskas while reassuring voters of stability. Meanwhile, the opposition is poised to turn the narrative into a critique of Labor’s “old guard” and an appeal for renewed governance.

In the months ahead, the election campaign will intensify. The political commentary in South Australia will likely focus on the transition dynamics, policy continuity, and the opportunity for fresh leadership. As the Labor Party moves to fill the leadership void, the eyes of the state will be on who steps forward—whether it will be a seasoned veteran like Catherine Hughes or a rising star ready to take the baton. Whatever the outcome, the next election promises to be a critical moment for South Australia, testing the strength of its democratic institutions and the resilience of its political parties.