South Australian House of Assembly

South Australian House of Assembly
source
Name	South Australian House of Assembly
Legislature	Parliament of South Australia
House type	Lower house
Body	Parliament of South Australia
Leader1 type	Speaker
Leader1	Dan Cregan
Leader2 type	Premier
Leader2	Peter Malinauskas
Leader3 type	Leader of the Opposition
Leader3	David Speirs
Election3	21 April 2022
Members	47
Political groups1	Government (27), Labor (27), Opposition (16), Liberal (16), Crossbench (4), Independent (4)
Voting system1	Instant-runoff voting
Last election1	19 March 2022
Meeting place	House of Assembly Chamber, Parliament House, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

South Australian House of Assembly. It is the lower house of the Parliament of South Australia, a bicameral legislature that governs the Australian state. The House is composed of 47 members, each elected from single-member districts using the Instant-runoff voting system. Its primary functions include forming the executive government, originating and scrutinizing legislation, and controlling public expenditure.

History

The House of Assembly was established in 1857, following the enactment of the Constitution Act 1856 which created a fully elected bicameral parliament for the Province of South Australia. This development was a landmark in the colony's political evolution, moving away from the earlier, partially appointed Legislative Council of South Australia. Key historical milestones include the introduction of universal suffrage in 1894, which extended voting rights to women, making South Australia a global pioneer. The chamber has operated continuously except for a brief period from 1933 to 1938 when it was replaced by the Legislative Council of South Australia under the Premiership of Richard Layton Butler during the Great Depression in Australia.

Composition and electoral system

The House consists of 47 members, each representing an electoral district such as Dunstan or Heysen. Elections are conducted using the Instant-runoff voting method, where voters rank candidates in order of preference. The boundaries of these districts are reviewed periodically by the South Australian Electoral Districts Boundaries Commission to ensure approximate equality of voter numbers. This system has historically facilitated a stable two-party contest primarily between the Labor Party and the Liberal Party, though independents and minor parties like the Australian Greens occasionally win representation.

Function and powers

The House's core function is to form the Government of South Australia, with the Premier of South Australia traditionally being the leader of the party commanding a majority. It holds the paramount power of supply, controlling the state's finances by authorizing taxation and expenditure through the annual Appropriation bill. The chamber initiates most legislation, particularly money bills, and rigorously examines government policy and administration through mechanisms like Question Time and committees such as the Public Works Committee of South Australia. While the Legislative Council of South Australia can amend or delay bills, the House's confidence is essential for a government's survival.

Current state

Following the 2022 South Australian state election, the Labor Party, led by Peter Malinauskas, holds a majority with 27 seats. The official opposition is the Liberal Party under David Speirs, with 16 members. The crossbench comprises four independents, including the Speaker Dan Cregan. Key contemporary issues before the House include major investments in health infrastructure, reforms to the education system, and projects related to the South Australian Hydrogen Jobs Plan.

Historical composition and notable members

Throughout its history, the political composition of the House has shifted between the Labor Party and its predecessors, and various conservative coalitions, now represented by the Liberal Party. Notable Premiers who have served in the chamber include John Bannon, Dean Brown, and Mike Rann. Influential Speakers have included Sir John Duncan and Sir John McLeay. Other distinguished members include Don Dunstan, a progressive reformer, and Joy Baluch, a long-serving mayor and member for Stuart. The House has also been the starting point for federal political careers, such as that of former Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Category:Parliament of South Australia Category:Lower houses of Australian states and territories