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A+ SIMON BIRMINGHAM, LIBERAL, SENATE. As the Liberals’ campaign spokesman, Senator Birmingham did more heavy lifting in the public eye than anyone else. He retained the prestigious Trade portfolio, locked down a major free trade deal with Indonesia and has progressed early talks for a post-Brexit deal with the UK.<br/>With the retirement of Christopher Pyne, Senator Birmingham has become the most senior Liberal in SA. But a good 2019 could soon be marred by a bad one in 2020 if a lucrative submarine maintenance moves to WA.
1/22A+ SIMON BIRMINGHAM, LIBERAL, SENATE. As the Liberals’ campaign spokesman, Senator Birmingham did more heavy lifting in the public eye than anyone else. He retained the prestigious Trade portfolio, locked down a major free trade deal with Indonesia and has progressed early talks for a post-Brexit deal with the UK.
With the retirement of Christopher Pyne, Senator Birmingham has become the most senior Liberal in SA. But a good 2019 could soon be marred by a bad one in 2020 if a lucrative submarine maintenance moves to WA.
A+ REX PATRICK, CENTRE ALLIANCE, SENATE. The Centre Alliance Senator has lived up to his moniker of “Inspector Rex” – given to him by ex-boss Nick Xenophon – by using Freedom of Information requests and Senate Estimates to shine a light on the future of the Collins Class submarine contract in SA. On one hand Senator Patrick secured goodwill by helping the government to get its flagship tax cut policy through the Senate. But his persistent criticism of the government’s handling of other issues, including the Murray Darling Basin, China relations, whistleblowers and asylum seekers has shown he is not afraid to play bad cop too.
2/22A+ REX PATRICK, CENTRE ALLIANCE, SENATE. The Centre Alliance Senator has lived up to his moniker of “Inspector Rex” – given to him by ex-boss Nick Xenophon – by using Freedom of Information requests and Senate Estimates to shine a light on the future of the Collins Class submarine contract in SA. On one hand Senator Patrick secured goodwill by helping the government to get its flagship tax cut policy through the Senate. But his persistent criticism of the government’s handling of other issues, including the Murray Darling Basin, China relations, whistleblowers and asylum seekers has shown he is not afraid to play bad cop too.
A - AMANDA RISHWORTH, LABOR, KINGSTON. Despite being touted as a future Cabinet Minister in a Shorten-led government, Ms Rishworth moved on from the election loss quicker than any other Labor MP in SA. She rolled up her sleeves and focused on her passion – early education – shining a light on the disastrous rollout of a new childcare policy that has been dubbed the Federal Government’s latest RoboDebt.
3/22A - AMANDA RISHWORTH, LABOR, KINGSTON. Despite being touted as a future Cabinet Minister in a Shorten-led government, Ms Rishworth moved on from the election loss quicker than any other Labor MP in SA. She rolled up her sleeves and focused on her passion – early education – shining a light on the disastrous rollout of a new childcare policy that has been dubbed the Federal Government’s latest RoboDebt.
A NICOLLE FLINT, LIBERALS, BOOTHBY. Has secured a more senior role in the Liberal Party since winning back her seat with a bigger margin at the election, becoming a whip marshalling MPs for votes in the House of Representatives. The Boothby MP continued to help shine a light on endometriosis – in the lead up to the election the Liberals made a $10 million commitment to address the disease including $1 million for the University of Adelaide’s Robinson Research Institute to develop a digital health platform for research.
4/22A NICOLLE FLINT, LIBERALS, BOOTHBY. Has secured a more senior role in the Liberal Party since winning back her seat with a bigger margin at the election, becoming a whip marshalling MPs for votes in the House of Representatives. The Boothby MP continued to help shine a light on endometriosis – in the lead up to the election the Liberals made a $10 million commitment to address the disease including $1 million for the University of Adelaide’s Robinson Research Institute to develop a digital health platform for research.
A TONY PASIN, LIBERAL, BARKER. The Barker MP was hand-picked by Scott Morrison to head up a parliamentary committee investigating the needs of rural and regional economies. It was a huge tick of approval for the conservative MP who has previously been typecast as a factional player. When the Riverland was hit by a freak hailstorm in November, Mr Pasin secured $14.6m in federal funding for netting for crop growers. He is also understood to have played a behind the scenes role in helping to strike a deal to get SA’s desalination plant up and running.
5/22A TONY PASIN, LIBERAL, BARKER. The Barker MP was hand-picked by Scott Morrison to head up a parliamentary committee investigating the needs of rural and regional economies. It was a huge tick of approval for the conservative MP who has previously been typecast as a factional player. When the Riverland was hit by a freak hailstorm in November, Mr Pasin secured $14.6m in federal funding for netting for crop growers. He is also understood to have played a behind the scenes role in helping to strike a deal to get SA’s desalination plant up and running.
A- SARAH HANSON-YOUNG, GREENS, SENATE. The Greens’ Environment spokeswoman had a strong swing toward her at the election as much of the country turned to the Right. The SA Senator was a consistent voice in key debates about climate change, mining, extinction and, importantly for SA, the River Murray and drilling in the Great Australian Bight. She also earned kudos for her handling of a defamation case in which former NSW Senator David Leyonhjelm will be forced to pay her $120,000 plus interest after a judge ruled he defamed her in a series of interviews in 2018.
6/22A- SARAH HANSON-YOUNG, GREENS, SENATE. The Greens’ Environment spokeswoman had a strong swing toward her at the election as much of the country turned to the Right. The SA Senator was a consistent voice in key debates about climate change, mining, extinction and, importantly for SA, the River Murray and drilling in the Great Australian Bight. She also earned kudos for her handling of a defamation case in which former NSW Senator David Leyonhjelm will be forced to pay her $120,000 plus interest after a judge ruled he defamed her in a series of interviews in 2018.
B+ ANNE RUSTON, LIBERAL, SENATE. Was promoted to Cabinet, after the election, as Minister for Families and Social Services and set about announcing well-received changes to deeming rates. She was also vocal in urging institutions to join a national redress scheme for victims of sexual abuse. But the Senator has also made some gaffes including a suggestion that increasing Newstart would benefit drug dealers and pubs.
7/22B+ ANNE RUSTON, LIBERAL, SENATE. Was promoted to Cabinet, after the election, as Minister for Families and Social Services and set about announcing well-received changes to deeming rates. She was also vocal in urging institutions to join a national redress scheme for victims of sexual abuse. But the Senator has also made some gaffes including a suggestion that increasing Newstart would benefit drug dealers and pubs.
B- MARK BUTLER, LABOR, HINDMARSH <br/>Has had to wear some responsibility for Labor’s election loss as its spokesman for climate change and energy. The party’s inability to put a price on its bold climate change policy become a distinct problem for Labor and particularly Bill Shorten, who was consistently asked about the cost. Since May, Mr Butler has been promoted to shadow cabinet and retained his portfolio. He has landed some significant political blows on Federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor over carbon emissions and a letter doctoring scandal that saw the Minister apologising “unreservedly” to Sydney’s lord mayor after relying on falsified figures to launch a public attack on her council’s climate record.
8/22B- MARK BUTLER, LABOR, HINDMARSH
Has had to wear some responsibility for Labor’s election loss as its spokesman for climate change and energy. The party’s inability to put a price on its bold climate change policy become a distinct problem for Labor and particularly Bill Shorten, who was consistently asked about the cost. Since May, Mr Butler has been promoted to shadow cabinet and retained his portfolio. He has landed some significant political blows on Federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor over carbon emissions and a letter doctoring scandal that saw the Minister apologising “unreservedly” to Sydney’s lord mayor after relying on falsified figures to launch a public attack on her council’s climate record.
B- DON FARRELL, LABOR, SENATE. The SA factional powerbroker stepped aside as the party’s deputy leader in the Senate after the May defeat to make way for Kristina Keneally. It cost SA a powerful voice on the leadership team but prevented a messy power struggle for the party, attracting Albanese’s goodwill.
9/22B- DON FARRELL, LABOR, SENATE. The SA factional powerbroker stepped aside as the party’s deputy leader in the Senate after the May defeat to make way for Kristina Keneally. It cost SA a powerful voice on the leadership team but prevented a messy power struggle for the party, attracting Albanese’s goodwill.
B- STIRLING GRIFF, CENTRE ALLIANCE, SENATE. The man seen by many political insiders as the unofficial leader of Centre Alliance continued his modus operandi of getting on with pet projects without much fanfare. He was instrumental in initiating a world-first inquiry into the impact “digital platforms” are having on our community and economy. Now, Google and Facebook will have to get your permission to collect IP addresses or location data under major plans to enhance privacy protections. And the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will receive $27 million to set up a new unit dedicated to keeping the tech titans in line.
10/22B- STIRLING GRIFF, CENTRE ALLIANCE, SENATE. The man seen by many political insiders as the unofficial leader of Centre Alliance continued his modus operandi of getting on with pet projects without much fanfare. He was instrumental in initiating a world-first inquiry into the impact “digital platforms” are having on our community and economy. Now, Google and Facebook will have to get your permission to collect IP addresses or location data under major plans to enhance privacy protections. And the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will receive $27 million to set up a new unit dedicated to keeping the tech titans in line.
B- ROWAN RAMSEY, LIBERAL, GREY. Has retained his role as Government Whip, which he has used to get in the ear of ministers about issues impacting SA. Representing the largest electorate in the state, Mr Ramsey has pushed hard to helped secure wins in regional road infrastructure. But, despite persistent efforts, he has failed to push any meaningful reform to deliver more doctors to the bush.
11/22B- ROWAN RAMSEY, LIBERAL, GREY. Has retained his role as Government Whip, which he has used to get in the ear of ministers about issues impacting SA. Representing the largest electorate in the state, Mr Ramsey has pushed hard to helped secure wins in regional road infrastructure. But, despite persistent efforts, he has failed to push any meaningful reform to deliver more doctors to the bush.
C+ ALEX ANTIC, LIBERAL, SENATE. The former City of Adelaide councillor is the SA politician most likely to fill Cory Bernardi’s shoes. The conservative senator has already shown he is unafraid to speak his mind by raising concerns about the SA Liberals-supported state sex work bill and arguing nuclear technology should be considered as a viable and lucrative component of the SA’s economy.
12/22C+ ALEX ANTIC, LIBERAL, SENATE. The former City of Adelaide councillor is the SA politician most likely to fill Cory Bernardi’s shoes. The conservative senator has already shown he is unafraid to speak his mind by raising concerns about the SA Liberals-supported state sex work bill and arguing nuclear technology should be considered as a viable and lucrative component of the SA’s economy.
C+ REBEKHA SHARKIE, CENTRE ALLIANCE, MAYO <br/>A strong focus on grassroots issues saw the Centre Alliance MP gain a tighter grip on the once Liberal heartland seat of Mayo. But how Ms Sharkie will deliver for the electorate during her second term without being a crossbencher with the balance of power has already diminished her influence. A strong focus on hyper-local has also lowered her profile.
13/22C+ REBEKHA SHARKIE, CENTRE ALLIANCE, MAYO
A strong focus on grassroots issues saw the Centre Alliance MP gain a tighter grip on the once Liberal heartland seat of Mayo. But how Ms Sharkie will deliver for the electorate during her second term without being a crossbencher with the balance of power has already diminished her influence. A strong focus on hyper-local has also lowered her profile.
C+ MARIELLE SMITH, LABOR, SENATE <br/>While most SA MPs were staying mum on what policies should stay or go after the election, new Labor Senator Marielle Smith used her maiden speech to call on her party to retain its three-year-old preschool policy.
14/22C+ MARIELLE SMITH, LABOR, SENATE
While most SA MPs were staying mum on what policies should stay or go after the election, new Labor Senator Marielle Smith used her maiden speech to call on her party to retain its three-year-old preschool policy.
C+ PENNY WONG, LABOR, SENATE <br/>Speculation was rife Penny Wong would quit politics after the May election loss. It cannot be overlooked that Senator Wong was a high profile member of a Bill Shorten-led Opposition that lost the election in a result very few saw coming. As Opposition Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, Senator Wong has spent the better part of 2019 focused on global issues.
15/22C+ PENNY WONG, LABOR, SENATE
Speculation was rife Penny Wong would quit politics after the May election loss. It cannot be overlooked that Senator Wong was a high profile member of a Bill Shorten-led Opposition that lost the election in a result very few saw coming. As Opposition Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, Senator Wong has spent the better part of 2019 focused on global issues.
C ALEX GALLACHER, LABOR, SENATE. The veteran Labor senator has been outspoken since the election on what his party needs to do to win back traditional voters. But, he otherwise continues to be defined by a lack of influence in Canberra.
16/22C ALEX GALLACHER, LABOR, SENATE. The veteran Labor senator has been outspoken since the election on what his party needs to do to win back traditional voters. But, he otherwise continues to be defined by a lack of influence in Canberra.
C STEVE GEORGANAS, LABOR, ADELAIDE. Has big shoes to fill after moving to, and winning, the seat of Adelaide - previously held by former Labor Minister Kate Ellis. He caused some internal rumblings this year after swapping factions, but has barely been seen or heard of since the election.
17/22C STEVE GEORGANAS, LABOR, ADELAIDE. Has big shoes to fill after moving to, and winning, the seat of Adelaide - previously held by former Labor Minister Kate Ellis. He caused some internal rumblings this year after swapping factions, but has barely been seen or heard of since the election.
C JAMES STEVENS, LIBERALS, STURT. Mr Stevens made himself known to those in the Canberra bubble early by using his maiden speech to accuse the ABC and rival political parties of trying to undermine the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. But he has been quiet since, as bickering between the basin states intensified.
18/22C JAMES STEVENS, LIBERALS, STURT. Mr Stevens made himself known to those in the Canberra bubble early by using his maiden speech to accuse the ABC and rival political parties of trying to undermine the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. But he has been quiet since, as bickering between the basin states intensified.
C- DAVID FAWCETT, LIBERAL, SENATE. Overlooked for a Cabinet position, much of the year Senator Fawcett has been dogged by speculation that he will retire. Has been a hard worker in the Senate, chairing the Environment and Communications committee and the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.
19/22C- DAVID FAWCETT, LIBERAL, SENATE. Overlooked for a Cabinet position, much of the year Senator Fawcett has been dogged by speculation that he will retire. Has been a hard worker in the Senate, chairing the Environment and Communications committee and the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.
NICK CHAMPION, LABOR, SPENCE D+. Once regarded as minister material, Mr Champion was overlooked for an Opposition front bench role by Labor leader Anthony Albanese. His diminishing influence in his own party raises questions about what he can deliver for his working-class electorate.
20/22NICK CHAMPION, LABOR, SPENCE D+. Once regarded as minister material, Mr Champion was overlooked for an Opposition front bench role by Labor leader Anthony Albanese. His diminishing influence in his own party raises questions about what he can deliver for his working-class electorate.
D+ CORY BERNARDI, AUSTRALIAN CONSERVATIVES, SENATE. Left parliament on December 3, ending a 13-year political career. He spent much of his time in the lead up to the election focused on raising the profile of his Australian Conservatives party in the eastern states. But the party tanked at the election failing to wrest the conservative vote from the likes of One Nation and Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party and was wound up post-election.
21/22D+ CORY BERNARDI, AUSTRALIAN CONSERVATIVES, SENATE. Left parliament on December 3, ending a 13-year political career. He spent much of his time in the lead up to the election focused on raising the profile of his Australian Conservatives party in the eastern states. But the party tanked at the election failing to wrest the conservative vote from the likes of One Nation and Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party and was wound up post-election.
D TONY ZAPPIA, LABOR, MAKIN. The Labor backbencher is a good grassroots politician but continues to be defined by a lack of influence in Canberra.
22/22D TONY ZAPPIA, LABOR, MAKIN. The Labor backbencher is a good grassroots politician but continues to be defined by a lack of influence in Canberra.
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