Minister Geoff Brock resigns from cabinet for health reasons, triggering first reshuffle

A parliamentary stalwart has announced he will resign from cabinet, triggering the first reshuffle of the Malinauskas Labor government. See his speech.

Liberal-turned-independent Dan Cregan will join the Labor Cabinet following the resignation of Minister Geoff Brock for health reasons, with further moves in Labor’s first Cabinet reshuffle still to be announced.

Mr Cregan will be replaced by Mawson MP Leon Bignell in the Speaker’s chair, Premier Peter Malinauskas announced on Thursday.

Mr Bignell has formally left the Labor Party to comply with a rule that the role of Speaker must be occupied by an independent MP.

Mr Malinauskas would not rule out further departures from the Cabinet ahead of next week, when Mr Cregan will be sworn in at Government House.

“We will announce further details of the reshuffle in the lead-up to Monday,” he said.

On Monday afternoon, Mr Bignell was dragged to the Speaker’s chair in line with tradition before he was presented to Governor Frances Adamson at Government House.

Leon Bignell is installed as speaker in the Lower House of Parliament in Adelaide, being dragged to the chair by the Premier and Opposition Leader. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Leon Bignell outside Parliament House on Thursday. Picture: Brett Hartwig

A teary Mr Brock, 74, who will stay on as independent member for Stuart, revealed he would resign in a speech to parliament earlier in the day.

“Serving as a minister has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” he said.

“Each day I have worked hard to try and make a difference and I’ve met some incredible people over the years.

“From Monday, I will no longer continue as minister ... my sole focus will be on my electorate of Stuart.”

Mr Brock – the minister for local government, veterans affairs and regional roads – said the decision to resign was made by himself and his family.

He was applauded and embraced by Mr Malinauskas and MPs from both sides of the chamber at the conclusion of his speech.

Geoff Brock delivers his speech in Parliament announcing his retirement due to ill health.

Premier Peter Malinauskas and Kavel MP Dan Cregan. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Mr Malinauskas thanked Mr Brock for his lengthy service to his community and the state.

“Geoff Brock is a great South Australian,” he said.

Mr Brock last year underwent quadruple bypass surgery after experiencing three heart attacks, including one at work.

He was the independent member for Frome from 2009 until 2022, when he became member for Stuart following a redistribution.

Formerly the Port Pirie Mayor, Mr Brock shot to fame and into the cabinet after the 2014 election after a chain of events that left him with a choice between backing Labor or sending SA back to the polls.

Premier Jay Weatherill famously did the deal over ham and pineapple pizza at a Port Pirie pizza shop.

Originally published as Minister Geoff Brock resigns from cabinet for health reasons, triggering first reshuffle