New SA Labor Leader Peter Malinauskas pledges to lead positive opposition and put public interest above petty politics

NEW Labor leader Peter Malinauskas has unveiled his front bench, pledged he won’t lead a wrecking-ball style Opposition and planned a listening tour to learn what went wrong at the state election.

NEW Labor Leader Peter Malinauskas has pledged he won’t lead a wrecking-ball style Opposition gripped by negativity.

He plans to embark on a listening tour to learn where his party went wrong at the election — as it aims to reclaim power in just four years’ time.

An upbeat Mr Malinauskas, a former union boss and health minister, was elected leader by Labor Caucus on Monday and announced a new 14-person frontbench.

Former premier Jay Weatherill and ex-ministers John Rau and Leon Bignell head to the backbench and make way for new faces in Nat Cook, Lee Odenwalder, Eddie Hughes, Clare Scriven and Jayne Stinson. Former police minister Tony Piccolo also returns to Labor’s frontbench.

Former education minister Susan Close was elected as Labor’s deputy leader but portfolios have not yet been allocated.

Newly elected Deputy Opposition Leader Susan Close (left) and Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas walk through Elder Park. Picture: AAP / Morgan Sette

Mr Malinauskas said “there have to be lessons to be learned” from Labor’s loss at last month’s election, where its 16-year run in power under former leaders Mike Rann and Jay Weatherill was ended.

“I’m talking about better understanding what it is that South Australians reasonably want and expect of their state government,” he said. “I’m going to be spending a lot of time listening to what it is that people actually want, not telling them what is good for them.”

Mr Malinauskas said the refresh would be built on Labor values of ensuring everyone benefited from the economy, with “the public interest” put ahead of political expediency.

“I will not lead a destructive-style Opposition. If the Liberal Party have a policy that genuinely benefits everyday South Australians, hardworking mums and dads, then we will work with them constructively. But if they have a policy that hurts people or that is inconsistent with our values, then they can expect one hell of a fight.”

He flagged Labor was likely to fight the State Government’s plans to expand shop trading hours, but did not rule out working with Premier Steven Marshall on tax reform.

New Labor Leader Peter Malinauskas said he would not lead a destructive-style Opposition. Picture: Morgan Sette / AAP

Mr Malinauskas said he expected Mr Weatherill and Mr Rau to keep their pledges of serving full four-year terms, rather than head to early by-elections in their relatively safe seats.

“Jay is a committed Labor man. He values the support that the Caucus has shown him when he was leader of the party, and I know that he’s determined to provide that same support,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“He’ll be a wise head that we can call upon when needed.”

Mr Marshall spoke to Mr Malinauskas to offer congratulations on Monday. He later told reporters that the new Opposition should “get on board” with an economic reform agenda.

“He’s told by the union what to do in regard to shop trading hours,” Mr Marshall said.

“Let me make it very clear. The Liberal Party will be making decisions which rest with the best interests of the people of SA.

“We look forward to Peter Malinauskas and the Labor Party supporting the Government’s strong agenda for economic reform here in SA.

“That will start with the deregulation of shop trading hours.

“This concept that Peter Malinauskas and the SDA and the big heavyweights in the union movement should be dictating when we can buy a carton of milk or a loaf of bread is absolute rubbish.

“The people want further deregulation.”

Parliament will commence sitting next month.

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