Member for Finniss David Basham has been elevated to Cabinet as the new Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister in the state government's first major reshuffle since coming to power in 2018.
It follows the departure of three ministers, including former Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone, over the Country Allowance expense scandal.
Mr Basham, a Mount Compass dairyfarmer, is in his first term in politics but has considerable industry experience serving as SA Dairyfarmers' Association president for more than a decade and also as president of Australian Dairy Farmers.
In his short time in parliament, he has been involved in several important pieces of legislation including the state's harsher farm trespass laws.
In a press conference, Premier Steven Marshall said Mr Basham had a "very good pedigree" to take on the role.
"He's been a dairyfarmer himself for decades and decades and he has held very important roles here at the state level and at the national level. He was the national president of the dairyfarmers association and the dairy industry association, so he has excellent credentials for this important portfolio."
Mr Basham said he was honoured to be asked to serve as the new minister.
"I have a proud history in agriculture and recognise the importance of our regional communities to South Australia's economy," he said.
"As we deal with the coronavirus pandemic our primary industries will be a critical part of our state's economic recovery and I look forward to getting on with the job of delivering for our regions."
Other new faces in Cabinet include Vincent Tarzia, who is the new Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, and Member for Morphett Stephen Patterson, who has become the Minister for Trade and Investment.
- More to come
Start the day with all the big news in agriculture. Sign up here to receive our daily Stock Journal newsletter.
