The autism portfolio has been elevated to cabinet for the first time by South Australian Premier Malinauskas, who has reshuffled his ministry after the resignation of Police Minister Dan Cregan.
Emily Bourke has been promoted to cabinet after serving as an assistant minister for just under three years, adding emergency services and correctional services and recreation, sport and racing to the autism portfolio, which she has held since 2022.
Ms Bourke will be responsible for delivering the state’s Autism Strategy 2024-2029 which was launched last year, Mr Malinauskas said.
"The autism community has long been fighting for change. We have listened and we’re acting," he said.
One in four Australians has an autistic family member and the state government says it is committed to making South Australia an autism-inclusive state.
The changes mean there are a record seven women in cabinet.
Mr Cregan, a former Liberal turned independent, has stepped down from cabinet and will not recontest the next election because of "pressing family matters".
Treasurer Stephen Mullighan will take on an expanded role as police minister, with responsibility for the government's investment in recruiting more frontline police and protective security officers.
Attorney-General Kyam Maher adds special minister of state to his existing portfolios.
He will be responsible for electoral matters, the electoral commissioner, parliamentary resources (electorate services) and implementing SA's political donation reform.
With the release of the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence in 2025, Katrine Hildyard will lead the state government’s response to the report, in addition to her role as child protection minister.
Member for Florey Michael Brown was appointed assistant minister to the premier for artificial intelligence and the digital economy.
