Former SA premier Steele Hall to be farewelled at state funeral service

Liberal heavyweight Steele Hall will be farewelled at a state service — with a fitting nod to his immense contribution to the state. See the details.

Former Liberal politician Steele Hall with his wife Joan in 1981.

Influential former premier Steele Hall will be farewelled in a state funeral next week, with plans finalised to celebrate the Liberal heavyweight’s immense contribution to SA.

Mr Hall has been remembered as “a legend of South Australian politics” following his death aged 95 earlier this month.

A service will be held at 2pm on Monday July 1 at the Adelaide Festival Centre — a nod to Mr Hall’s influence in choosing the site of the prolific venue.

Members of the public are welcome to pay their respects, with guests required to register their attendance from 11am on Tuesday, June 25.

The event will also be live streamed on the Department of Premier and Cabinet website and via Facebook. ‘

Mr Hall was premier from 1968-70, a South Australian Senator from 1974-77 and federal Boothby MP from 1981-1996.

He is the only Australian to serve as state premier as well as member of three legislatures.

Mr Hall, who leaves behind his wife, six children and six grandchildren, was married to Joan – who served for 13 years as a state MP – for more than 45 years.

Steele Hall after he won the federal seat of Boothby in 1981.

Mr Hall’s wife Joan at the unveiling of his portrait at the Adelaide Festival Centre. Picture: Adelaide Festival Centre

Premier Peter Malinauskas said Mr Hall left behind a “reputation for integrity and political courage” and put South Australia ahead of party political interests.

“Steele Hall’s impact on our state and our nation was both significant and positive, fuelled by his fierce adherence to principle and to the cause of liberal democracy,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“He will be remembered for his life of public service, political courage and personal integrity, and his commitment to the virtues of honest leadership, consistent with one’s convictions.”

The premier said the state memorial service was a fitting nod to Mr Hall’s contribution to the state.

Looking back, Mrs Hall said her 45-year romance to the former premier was a classic case of “opposites attract”.

Mrs Hall, now 77, was a state MP from 1993 to 2006, during which time she held three ministries in John Olsen’s government: employment, tourism and youth.

She is a sports fanatic and loves the ballet – he, not so much. Yet, every year, he would agree to join her at one Crows game and one soccer match.

Following their respective retirements, they stayed engaged and involved.

“Not many couples would be discussing politics, state and federal, over breakfast. But we did,” she said.

They enjoyed a fulfilling life together until Steele was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. He was well into his 80s at the time.