Adelaide, SA: Long-serving South Australian Labor MP and House of Assembly Speaker Leon Bignell has announced he will retire from politics and will not contest the upcoming March state election, the government confirmed.
Bignell joins high-profile Labor colleagues Susan Close and Stephen Mullighan in stepping down at the March poll, marking a significant shift in the party’s ranks.
Bignell first entered parliament in 2006 as the Member for Mawson during the so-called “Rannslide” election, when then-Premier Mike Rann secured a decisive victory. He later served as a cabinet minister under the Weatherill government, holding the portfolios for tourism, sport, recreation, and racing.
In April 2024, Bignell was appointed Speaker of the House of Assembly, temporarily leaving the Labor Party to comply with new rules requiring the Speaker to be non-partisan. He has since rejoined the ALP.
In a statement, Bignell expressed gratitude to his electorate:
“Thanks so much for your trust and for backing me in at five successive elections since 2006. I will continue working hard for Mawson until March 21.”
He reflected on his proudest moments in office, highlighting his response during the Black Summer bushfires, particularly the devastating Kangaroo Island fires of 2019–20:
“When the chips are down, double down. Get in, offer support any way you can.”
Bignell has represented Mawson for 19 years, securing a resounding victory in 2022 with a first-preference swing of nearly 16%. Prior to politics, he worked as a journalist with the ABC and commercial television.
Premier Peter Malinauskas praised Bignell, noting his ability to connect with the community and describing his tenure as leaving a visible legacy:
“The people of Mawson have always known that Leon would fight for them, especially during the KI bushfires. I wish Leon well in the next phase of his career.”
