THERE will be some familiar faces in parliament’s Upper House with appointments made to executive positions within the Labor Party.
Kyam Maher and Clare Scriven are set to represent the party following the recent election.
The former Mount Gambier resident and ex-minister will serve as Labor’s leader in the Legislative Council.
Meanwhile, Legislative Council candidate Clare Scriven has ascended to the Opposition’s front bench as deputy leader of the Upper House despite not being officially declared as winning her seat.
With the fate of Ms Scriven expected to be officially declared later this month, the likely first term Upper House member will also be a shadow minister, with portfolios expected to be decided within the week.
The state’s Labor caucus met on Monday to elect office holders with the South East-based candidate among the big winners of the party.
Ms Scriven said she was “feeling good” about the elevation, but was conscious the declaration of election results was pending.
“While I still cannot take for granted that I’m elected, if I am I can look forward to contributing on the front bench,” she said.
In the Lower House, factional ally Peter Malinauskas was elected as South Australia’s new Labor leader after the departure of former premier Jay Weatherill from the role.
The former health minister will serve alongside left-wing heavyweight Susan Close, with the former education minister elected as deputy opposition leader.
Former attorney-general John Rau and tourism minister Leon Bignell have stepped down from their senior roles, with Lee Odenwalder, Whyalla MP Eddie Hughes and former television reporter and first-term MP Jayne Stinson joining Ms Scriven on the frontbench.
Former Labor staffer and Ms Scriven’s right-aligned factional running mate Emily Bourke reportedly did not seek a ministry.
Ms Scriven is among the contenders poised to secure one of 11 available Upper House seats in parliament.
The state’s electoral commission estimates the declaration of the Legislative Council poll is anticipated to occur this month.
