Premier Steven Marshall reveals three new faces in ministry, as Stephen Patterson, Vincent Tarzia and David Basham are sworn in
Liberal MPs Stephen Patterson, David Basham and Vincent Tarzia have been sworn in to Premier Steven Marshall’s ministry after the pollies perks scandals forced a Cabinet reshuffle.
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Liberal MPs Stephen Patterson, Vincent Tarzia and David Basham have been sworn in to Premier Steven Marshall’s ministry in a major shake-up forced by the expenses and perks scandals.
Speaker Vincent Tarzia, Stephen Patterson and David Basham were all rewarded with ministerial roles, while assistant ministers Carolyn Power and Jing Lee missed out.
Former TV presenter Corey Wingard jumps from police to the high-profile transport role in the biggest promotion from a reshuffle that rewarded MPs loyal to Mr Marshall.
Mr Basham will look after agriculture and Mr Patterson will handle trade and investment.
Mr Marshall made the announcement on Tuesday after a hectic week that included resignations on Sunday by former ministers Stephan Knoll, David Ridgway and Tim Whetstone.
Go here to see the full list of the new Cabinet
It stemmed from the release in Parliament on Tuesday last week of 10 years’ worth of country members’ travel allowance records, and revelations that Mr Ridgway had signed blank timesheets for a ministerial driver who was later stood down on misconduct claims.
The swearing in ceremony took place at Government House on Wednesday morning, in the presence of Mr Marshall and Governor Hieu Van Le.
Out the front of Government House on Wednesday, Minister Wingard said the former Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, the embattled Stephan Knoll, did a fantastic job putting forward $12.9 billion of new projects in the sector.
“The number one focus here is getting the projects going and creating jobs for South Australians,” Mr Wingard said.
Mr Tarzia said he was honoured to accept his new role.
“I want to be a Minister who is humble, a Minister who listens, and a Minister whose door is always open to not only my colleagues but also the public,” Mr Tarzia said.
Former ministers Stephan Knoll, David Ridgeway and Tim Whetstone resigned on Sunday in the wake of revelations over country travel entitlements and the use of a ministerial chauffeur.
David Basham, who owns a farm near Mt Compass, said investigations into his country travel claims would reveal no foul play.
“There is nothing wrong with my claims there is no need to ask – the Premier is very confident I have everything correct,” Mr Basham said.
In other portfolio changes, Attorney-General Vickie Chapman will add the responsibilities for planning and local government and Treasurer Rob Lucas will oversee housing and urban development in a three-way carve-up of Mr Knoll’s previous jobs.
Upper house president Terry Stephens will also vacate that role when Parliament returns in September, as a result of the expenses scandal “distraction”, as jockeying commences for two lucrative presiding member positions.
To replace Mr Tarzia as speaker, well-placed Liberal sources say there is a looming contest between Liberal Hills MPs Dan Cregan and Josh Teague. Both were mooted as possible new ministers by supporters over the weekend.
The new Cabinet meets for the first time on Thursday.
Mr Marshall said he was “very confident” none of the new ministers would be affected by the expenses affair, which is now under Independent Commission Against Corruption investigation.
He said Mr Wingard now had a critical role in overseeing a “massive” $12.9bn infrastructure build and that splitting up Mr Knoll’s formerly “very heavy workload” would allow sharp focus on a “major priority” for the government.
“It’s also a very important investment by the taxpayers into jobs in SA,” Mr Marshall said.
“We want this to be led by somebody that has all the skills for this area and I have every confidence that Corey Wingard will do a great job.”
Asked if the reshuffle would create any factional problems, Mr Marshall replied: “None”.
“We have put together a cabinet that is best going to serve the state during this global pandemic,” he said.
“That has been the consideration. We have a depth of talent in our team.”
Mr Marshall is backed by the moderate faction, which is loyal to senior Liberals Christopher Pyne and Simon Birmingham. The right of the Liberal Party has recently split into sub factions, including a so-called hard right or “conservative” group and a separate “centre right” alliance.
One senior conservative leader said on Tuesday night there would be “no whining”. Centre right sources are supporting Mr Cregan for speaker, a move that could test its influence.
Opposition leader Peter Malinauskas said the cabinet overhaul was a “missed opportunity” for the state.
“I think a lot of people would be shocked that in this modern age Steven Marshall has only got three women out of 14 within his cabinet,” he said. “There was an opportunity for Steven Marshall to promote two of his (female) assistant ministers.”
Mr Malinauskas said the reshuffle was forced by “chaos and scandal” and only created more Liberal “division”.
Asked about the overlooked women, Mr Marshall said: “There were many people we considered. We were spoiled for choice. I’ve formed the opinion that this provides the best balance.”
Mr Malinauskas this week left open the option of his own reshuffle. He has six women on his frontbench of 14 MPs, double that of Mr Marshall.
Mr Marshall said a decision on the next speaker was a “matter for the Parliament”.
Mr Cregan’s backers have dismissed speculation that he could seek to run for speaker, even if he fails to get Liberal Party endorsement, by reaching out to rival parties.
Mr Marshall also rejected suggestions that he could endorse a speaker from the crossbench, given increasing tight numbers in parliament.
Independent MP Frances Bedford has told The Advertiser she would entertain such an offer if asked.
She said no approach had been made. Port Pirie independent Geoff Brock ruled out any move to draft him as speaker, saying he was focused on local jobs. Sources say that Liberal MPs Jing Lee, Dennis Hood and John Dawkins are all possible contenders to replace Mr Stephens as upper house president.