Susan Close’s Resignation Reshapes South Australia’s Political Future

Leadership Departure Signals a New Era for South Australia

South Australia’s political landscape has been irrevocably altered. In a move that stunned colleagues and sent ripples through the state, Deputy Premier Susan Close announced her intention to retire from parliament at the upcoming March election. Treasurer Stephen Mullighan, another pillar of the Malinauskas government, will join her in stepping down. The announcement, delivered alongside Premier Peter Malinauskas in Adelaide, was more than a routine resignation—it was the closing of a chapter defined by reform, resilience, and deep personal sacrifice.

Susan Close: Champion of Reform and Social Progress

Dr Susan Close’s journey in politics began in 2012, when she was elected to represent Port Adelaide. Over the years, she became synonymous with progressive change. Her tenure as Deputy Leader of the South Australian Labor Party spanned seven and a half years, with three and a half of those as Deputy Premier. Close’s ministerial portfolio was diverse and impactful—Minister for Climate, Environment and Water; Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science since March 2022; and Minister for Workforce and Population Strategy since April 2024.

Her legacy is woven into the fabric of South Australian policy. From pioneering new STEM facilities in public schools to introducing phonics checks in reception, Close’s advocacy for education was relentless. She championed three-year-old preschool, established a new university, and oversaw the passing of the Biodiversity Act. Her commitment to animal welfare led to the banning of puppy farms and tripling of RSPCA funding. Under her guidance, emissions reduction and climate adaptation planning were enshrined in legislation—a testament to her environmental vision.

In her own words, stepping away from politics was a deeply personal decision. “Life is really short. I have been watching my mother disappear into dementia over the last four years, and it was for me an alarm bell reminding me that life is finite and it’s precious,” Close reflected. Her resolve to leave public office is rooted not in political expediency, but in a desire to embrace new opportunities and preserve her energy for other pursuits. “I want to do something else. I want to have some freedom, and I feel I’ve given what I can to public life.”

Personal Sacrifice Behind Public Service

Close’s departure is not an isolated event. Treasurer Stephen Mullighan, first elected as Member for Lee in 2014, also announced his retirement. Mullighan’s career is marked by immediate entry into Cabinet—a rare feat in Labor’s history—and a series of high-impact roles, including Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Minister for Defence and Space Industries, and Minister for Police. As Treasurer since 2022, he steered the state’s budget back to surplus, improved South Australia’s rating outlook, and presided over a period hailed as the nation’s best-performing economy.

Mullighan’s decision, like Close’s, was shaped by personal reflection. “It takes a village to raise children and our village is a little bit smaller. I want to make sure while the kids are still young, and I’m relatively young, that I can be around more and be more present as a husband,” he said. Loss and family needs weighed heavily—both he and his wife, Antonia, have lost parents, and the demands of public life had become increasingly difficult to balance.

Premier Malinauskas, visibly moved at the press conference, described both as “formidable intellects” and “close confidants.” The Premier’s words underscored the deep bonds forged over years of collaboration and the gravity of their departures: “I’ve been able to rely on her every step of the way,” he said of Close. “You could’ve knocked me over with a feather,” he added, recalling Mullighan’s decision.

Legacy and Impact: Reform That Endures

Close’s imprint on South Australian society is hard to overstate. Her reforms in education, environment, and social policy have shaped the state’s trajectory for years to come. She was a driving force behind climate legislation that addresses both emissions reduction and adaptation—an effort she insists is more urgent than ever in the face of contemporary environmental crises like the algal bloom affecting South Australia’s coastline. “To understand the true impact of climate change is here now. It’s not in the future. It’s here now,” she remarked, rejecting any suggestion that her resignation was tied to the bloom.

As one of the state’s most prominent female politicians, Close also acknowledged the significance of representation. “I’m looking forward to the day when it isn’t a legacy you have to consciously identify as a woman passing to a woman,” she said. Her visibility and achievements have inspired many, but she hopes for a future where gender in politics is simply a fact, not a headline.

Mullighan leaves behind a legacy of major infrastructure projects—Torrens to Torrens, Darlington, Northern Connector, the O-Bahn city access, and city tram extension—each contributing to South Australia’s growth and connectivity. His stewardship of the economy has earned business endorsements and public confidence, and his absence will be felt in both fiscal and strategic circles.

Looking Forward: A Cabinet in Transition

With both Close and Mullighan stepping down, Premier Malinauskas faces the immediate challenge of reshaping his Cabinet ahead of the March election. Tomorrow, the Premier will announce the new leadership team—a move that will define Labor’s strategy and South Australia’s direction in the coming years.

The departure of these senior figures is not just a political event; it is a moment that invites reflection on the nature of public service, the cost of leadership, and the meaning of legacy. Both Close and Mullighan leave with unfinished business, as Mullighan noted: “You always leave these jobs with regret, if for no other reason because the job’s never done, either as a local MP or as a minister.”

Yet, their decisions also highlight the humanity behind the headlines—the families, the sacrifices, the finite energy that sustains years of relentless work. As South Australia prepares for a new era, the contributions of Susan Close and Stephen Mullighan will continue to shape debates, policies, and aspirations.

The simultaneous resignation of Susan Close and Stephen Mullighan marks a profound turning point for South Australia—not only as a shift in leadership, but as a rare moment when public service and personal wellbeing intersect. Their legacies, built on reform and resilience, will set the standard for those who follow, reminding us that behind every cabinet decision lies a story of commitment, sacrifice, and the enduring hope for change.