David Basham, Adrian Pederick elevated to shadow cabinet in Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia’s first reshuffle

Two MPs have been elevated to shadow cabinet and several have been given new responsibilities after Vincent Tarzia’s first reshuffle. Find out who got what in the reshuffle.

Liberal MPs David Basham and Adrian Pederick have been elevated into the shadow cabinet as part of Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia’s first reshuffle, while several existing shadow ministers have been handed new responsibilities.

Mr Tarzia announced his new shadow cabinet line-up on Tuesday, triggered by the retirement announcement of John Gardner and Jing Lee’s resignation from the Liberals.

Mr Gardner’s former portfolio of education has been taken over by Heidi Girolamo, and Matt Cowdrey has become shadow minister for training and skills as well as workforce and population growth.

Mr Gardner had also been shadow minister for arts and festivals, which has been picked up by Jack Batty.

Ms Lee’s tourism portfolio has been handed to Penny Pratt, while multicultural affairs is now the responsibility of deputy leader Josh Teague.

All those shadow ministers are adding their new portfolios to existing responsibilities.

Mr Basham, who had not previously been part of the shadow cabinet, will become shadow minister for environment and water infrastructure.

Opposition leader Vincent Tarzia has announced a reshuffle after Jing Lee’s resignation from the party. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

Tarzia also had to fill the hole left by John Gardner’s retirement announcement. Picture: Russell Millard Photography

Mr Pederick, who had previously been an assistant shadow minister, will drop the “assistant” title and become shadow minister for veterans and marine infrastructure.

He will also take charge of the regional roads portfolio, which had been the responsibility of shadow minister for infrastructure and transport Ben Hood.

Mr Hood will add to his responsibilities Mr Teague’s former portfolio of industrial relations and public sector, as well as Mr Tarzia’s former portfolio of hospitality.

Tim Whetstone has been given the portfolio of social services, and Laura Henderson will receive a promotion as shadow assistant minister to the leader and shadow assistant minister for multicultural affairs.

Mr Tarzia said the new team reflects his commitment to renewed leadership and fresh perspectives, and is focused on addressing the key issues facing South Australians.

“This reshuffle represents a vital step in preparing for the challenges ahead,” he said.

“By bringing together diverse skills, fresh ideas, and seasoned expertise, we are reinforcing our commitment to holding the government to account and continuing to present a compelling alternative for the future.

“I am confident that this team is best equipped to challenge the government and demonstrate that the Liberal Party is ready to lead.”

The new shadow cabinet will hit the ground running with a trip to Mount Gambier this week, before state parliament resumes in February.

Ms Pratt said she was proud to be entrusted with the tourism portfolio.

“Major events hosted in the city will always be important but, in every corner of our state, our regional centres have something unique to offer domestic and overseas travellers,” she said.