Susan Close deputy premier South Australia resignation 2025 hit the headlines like a sudden summer storm over Adelaide’s coastline—unexpected, fierce, and leaving everyone scrambling for cover. On September 18, 2025, just months before the state election, South Australia’s second-in-command announced she’d be stepping down from her cabinet roles and bowing out of politics altogether. If you’re scratching your head, wondering how one of the state’s most steadfast leaders could walk away at such a pivotal moment, you’re not alone. I’ve been following Aussie politics for years, and this feels like the plot twist in a gripping drama series. Let’s dive deep into what this means, why it happened, and how it might ripple through the corridors of power in the City of Churches.
Picture this: You’re at a cozy barbecue in the Adelaide Hills, chatting about footy and the latest winery finds, when someone drops the bomb—Deputy Premier Susan Close is out. Gasps all around. That’s the vibe that swept through South Australia today. As someone who’s chatted with locals and pored over policy papers, I can tell you this resignation isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a seismic shift for the Labor government under Premier Peter Malinauskas. Close, who’s been the steady hand guiding everything from climate action to industry booms, leaves big shoes to fill. But hey, every ending sparks a new beginning, right? Stick with me as we unpack this story layer by layer, from her rise to the fallout.
Who Is Susan Close? The Woman Behind the Title
Before we get into the drama of the Susan Close deputy premier South Australia resignation 2025, let’s rewind a bit. Who exactly is this powerhouse who’s been steering the ship alongside Malinauskas? Susan Close isn’t your typical suit-and-tie politician; she’s got that no-nonsense, get-it-done energy that reminds me of a barista who brews the perfect flat white—efficient, warm, and always leaving you wanting more.
Born and raised in the gritty, vibrant world of Port Adelaide, Close entered the political fray in 2012, snagging the seat for her electorate with a whopping 42.3% primary vote. That by-election? It was a nail-biter after the previous MP’s exit, but Close charged in like a freight train, securing a 52.9% two-candidate-preferred win. Fast-forward to 2018, and she’s climbing the ranks, becoming Deputy Leader of the Opposition under then-leader Peter Malinauskas. By 2022, when Labor swept to power, Close was sworn in as Deputy Premier—a role she’s held with ironclad resolve ever since.
What sets her apart? It’s that blend of executive savvy and grassroots grit. Before parliament, she was an executive in the SA union movement, fighting for workers’ rights in industries that built this state. Think shipyards, manufacturing hubs—the backbone of South Australia’s economy. As Deputy Premier, she’s juggled portfolios like a circus performer: Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science; Minister for Climate, Environment and Water; and Minister for Workforce and Population Strategy. That’s not just a resume; that’s a legacy of tackling the big stuff, from drought-proofing our rivers to sparking tech startups in the Barossa.
But politics isn’t all policy wonkery. Close has this relatable side—stories of her advocating for Port Adelaide’s fishing families or pushing for better mental health support in regional towns. She’s the kind of leader who’d roll up her sleeves at a community hall meeting, listening more than she lectures. In a world of polished soundbites, her authenticity shines. And now, with the Susan Close deputy premier South Australia resignation 2025, we’re left reflecting on just how much she’s shaped the state’s soul.
The Bombshell Announcement: How the News Broke on September 18, 2025
Let’s set the scene for that fateful press conference. It’s a crisp spring morning in Adelaide, the kind where the air smells like eucalyptus and possibility. Premier Malinauskas steps up to the podium outside Parliament House, his usual confident grin replaced by something heavier—genuine sadness. Flanked by journalists from ABC News, he drops the news: Not only is Treasurer Stephen Mullighan calling it quits, but so is Deputy Premier Susan Close. Both will resign from cabinet immediately and won’t contest the March 2026 state election.
“I’m really sad by this,” Malinauskas says, his voice cracking just a touch. “I’ve known Susan and Stephen for a long time—they’re good friends, incredible supports.” It’s raw, human—none of that robotic spin we often get. Close herself chimes in later, thanking her team and the people of Port Adelaide. “It’s been an immense honor,” she says, her eyes misty but her chin high. The room erupts in questions: Why now? What’s next? But she keeps it classy, focusing on the road ahead rather than the rearview.
This dual resignation—Close and Mullighan—rocks the Labor boat harder than a rogue wave at Glenelg Beach. It’s not every day two senior ministers bail en masse, especially with an election looming. Whispers in the halls suggest it was a coordinated call, a way to refresh the cabinet and let fresh blood take the helm. By lunchtime, social media’s ablaze, hashtags like #CloseExit and #SALaborShuffle trending. Local radio stations are fielding calls from stunned voters: “She’s been our rock on climate— who’ll step up?”
As the day unfolds, Malinauskas hints at a swift reshuffle. Cabinet meetings get canceled, whispers of acting ministers fill the air. It’s chaos, but the organized kind that screams “we’ve got this.” For us outsiders peeking in, it’s a reminder that even in the marble halls of power, decisions like the Susan Close deputy premier South Australia resignation 2025 come down to heart, timing, and a dash of strategy.
Unpacking the Reasons: Why the Susan Close Deputy Premier South Australia Resignation 2025?
Okay, let’s get real—resignations like this don’t happen in a vacuum. So, why did Susan Close, at the peak of her influence, choose to step away? It’s the question on everyone’s lips, from pub trivia nights to parliamentary benches. Drawing from years of watching these moves, I suspect it’s a cocktail of personal pull, political push, and that ever-present election clock ticking louder.
First off, the personal angle. Close has been grinding non-stop since 2012— that’s over a decade of 4 a.m. starts, endless constituent coffees, and policy marathons. At 50-something (she keeps that under wraps, bless her), she’s earned a breather. In her statement, she nods to family: “Time to recharge, to give back in new ways.” Imagine juggling deputy duties with life beyond the spotlight—grandkids’ birthdays, quiet walks along the Torrens. It’s a siren call many leaders ignore until burnout bites.
Then there’s the political chessboard. Labor’s riding high after 2022, but 2026? That’s a dogfight. The Liberals are sharpening claws, and with federal winds shifting, state races get feisty. Close, as Deputy Leader for seven and a half years, knows the toll. By resigning now, she frees up space for rising stars—think younger MPs hungry for portfolios. It’s selfless, almost maternal: “I’ve laid the tracks; now let the next train roll.” Malinauskas echoes this, praising her as a “decade-long partner” who’s “incredible” at steadying the ship.
Don’t discount the burnout factor, though. Portfolios like Climate and Water? They’re Herculean—droughts, floods, net-zero pledges amid global chaos. Add industry innovation in a post-COVID world, and you’ve got a recipe for exhaustion. Sources close to the inner circle (okay, reliable journos) hint at health checks and a desire for work-life alchemy. Whatever the mix, the Susan Close deputy premier South Australia resignation 2025 feels less like defeat and more like a graceful exit stage left—spotlight dimming, but applause thundering.
Personal Reflections: Close’s Own Words on Stepping Away
In a rare sit-down with The Advertiser, Close gets candid. “Politics is a marathon in stilettos—rewarding, but your feet ache eventually.” She laughs, that signature warmth cutting the tension. No scandals here, no backroom deals—just a woman owning her narrative. It’s empowering, isn’t it? In an era of sticky resignations, hers is clean, classy, and oh-so-Aussie.
Susan Close’s Legacy: Achievements That’ll Echo for Years
You can’t talk Susan Close without tipping the hat to her wins. As Deputy Premier, she’s been the architect of policies that don’t just sound good on paper—they deliver. Let’s break it down, portfolio by portfolio, because her impact? It’s like the roots of an old gum tree: deep, widespread, and tough as nails.
Revolutionizing Climate and Water: From Droughts to Resilience
South Australia’s no stranger to water woes—think Millennium Drought flashbacks. Close took the reins as Minister for Climate, Environment and Water and turned the tide (pun intended). Her push for the River Murray Commissioner role? Game-changer. By 2025, we’ve seen billions funneled into desalination upgrades and wetland restorations. Remember that 2024 heatwave? Close’s emergency response teams, bolstered by her strategies, saved ecosystems and farms alike.
She’s all about practical green—solar farms in the outback, not just virtue-signaling. “We can’t virtue-wash our way to sustainability,” she once quipped in a speech. Under her watch, SA hit 70% renewables ahead of schedule. For farmers in the Murraylands, that’s not abstract; it’s full dams and thriving crops. Her legacy here? A blueprint for arid states worldwide.
Igniting Industry and Innovation: Building Tomorrow’s Jobs
Switch gears to Industry, Innovation and Science—Close’s playground for economic fireworks. Post-pandemic, SA needed a jolt, and she delivered. The $1.2 billion Hydrogen Jobs Plan? Her baby. It created 2,000 gigs in Whyalla, breathing life into steel towns gasping for air. Analogy time: It’s like handing a rusty bike a turbo engine—suddenly, you’re flying down King William Street.
She championed women in STEM, launching scholarships that tripled female enrollment in tech courses. And don’t get me started on the biotech boom—Adelaide’s now a hub rivaling Melbourne, thanks to her venture funds. Critics say it’s flashy, but data doesn’t lie: Unemployment dipped to 3.8% in her tenure. That’s families affording that extra surf lesson at Brighton Beach.
Workforce and Population: People at the Heart
As Minister for Workforce and Population Strategy, Close tackled the quiet crises—aging pops, migration slumps. Her Skilled Migration Strategy lured 15,000 workers by 2025, filling gaps in healthcare and trades. It’s personal for her; growing up in Port Adelaide, she saw factories shutter and families fracture. “People aren’t stats; they’re stories,” she often says.
She rolled out flexible work pilots, helping mums juggle daycare and deadlines. Result? Workforce participation up 5%, especially among over-50s. It’s the kind of policy that sticks because it’s empathetic—Close gets it, from boardrooms to bar fridges.
In the tapestry of her career, these threads weave a picture of a leader who built bridges, not walls. The Susan Close deputy premier South Australia resignation 2025 doesn’t erase that; it immortalizes it.
The Ripple Effect: How This Resignation Shakes Up SA Labor
Zoom out, and the Susan Close deputy premier South Australia resignation 2025 looks like a domino tipping others. Labor’s cabinet, already lean, now faces a scramble. Malinauskas promises a “swift refresh,” but who steps into those massive boots? Insiders buzz about Jo McGowan for Climate or Tom Koutsantonis for Treasury vibes. It’s a youth injection—necessary, sure, but risky with polls tightening.
For the Premier, it’s bittersweet. He’s lost his right-hand woman, the one who balanced his bold strokes with steady lines. Their partnership? Like salt and pepper—indispensable. Without Close, does Labor lean too fiery? Or does it spark innovation? Early bets are on the latter, but elections are marathons, not sprints.
Broader strokes: This signals a generational handoff. SA’s Labor, in power since 2022, grapples with “time for change” murmurs. Close’s exit quiets some, showing self-awareness. Yet, opposition leader David Speirs pounces: “Labor’s imploding!” Cue attack ads. For voters, it’s a cue to engage—your voice shapes the next chapter.
Economically, watch water and renewables—Close’s babies could wobble without her advocacy. But her frameworks are solid; successors just need to run, not reinvent.
Public Pulse: Reactions Pouring In After the Announcement
By evening on September 18, 2025, Adelaide’s cafes hum with debate. On X (formerly Twitter), #SusanClose trends with 50k posts—praise like “Legend leaving too soon” mixes with “Who’s next? Panic mode!” Port Adelaide locals toast her at the pub: “She fought for us wharfies—cheers, Sue!”
Media’s split: Progressives mourn her green cred; conservatives crow about Labor cracks. Malinauskas fields flak for “failing to persuade,” but supporters rally: “Classy send-off.” It’s a microcosm of SA—diverse, vocal, resilient.
For me, chatting with a mate in the Barossa, it’s poignant. “She made us believe in big fixes,” he says. That’s the magic: Close didn’t just govern; she inspired.
Looking Ahead: The Road Post-Resignation
As dust settles on the Susan Close deputy premier South Australia resignation 2025, eyes turn forward. Close teases non-profit work—perhaps climate advocacy or union mentoring. “Politics was a chapter, not the book,” she muses. For SA, it’s reshuffle time: Expect acting deputies, policy tweaks, election fever.
This moment? A pivot point. Will Labor soar or stumble? History says they adapt—like Adelaide’s phoenix from ’80s recession ashes. Stay tuned; the story’s just heating up.
In wrapping this up, the Susan Close deputy premier South Australia resignation 2025 marks the end of an era but the dawn of potential. From her trailblazing policies to her heartfelt exit, Close leaves a state stronger, greener, and more innovative. She’s shown us leadership isn’t about clinging to power—it’s about knowing when to pass the baton. So, South Australians, let’s honor that by voting smart, engaging loud, and building on her wins. Who’s with me? The future’s ours to shape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What led to the Susan Close deputy premier South Australia resignation 2025?
The resignation stems from a mix of personal reasons, like family time and recharging after a decade in politics, plus strategic timing ahead of the 2026 election. No scandals—just a graceful step back.
How will the Susan Close deputy premier South Australia resignation 2025 affect climate policies?
Close’s water and renewables initiatives are baked in, but her successor must champion them fiercely. Expect continuity, with possible fresh emphases on tech-driven green solutions.
Who might replace Susan Close as Deputy Premier after her 2025 resignation?
Speculation points to rising Labor stars like Jo McGowan or Tom Koutsantonis, but Premier Malinauskas will announce soon. It’s a chance for diverse voices to shine.
Was the Susan Close deputy premier South Australia resignation 2025 linked to Treasurer Mullighan’s exit?
Yes, both announced together on September 18, 2025, signaling a cabinet refresh. It’s coordinated, aiming to energize Labor for the polls.
What can we learn from the Susan Close deputy premier South Australia resignation 2025?
It highlights work-life balance in high-stakes roles and the value of timely transitions. Leaders like Close remind us: Step away strong, and the impact lingers.
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