The Arnold ministry (Labor) was the 67th ministry of the Government of South Australia. It was led by the state's 40th premier, Lynn Arnold. The Arnold ministry succeeded the Bannon ministry on 4 September 1992, following John Bannon's resignation as premier and Labor leader amid the political repercussions of the State Bank collapse. The ministry was replaced by the Brown ministry on 14 December 1993 following the state election held on 11 December, which saw the Liberal Party, led by Dean Brown, defeat Labor in a landslide.
Background In the 1989 South Australian state election, the Labor Party, headed by John Bannon, lost its majority in the parliament. The Labor Party and Liberal Party secured 22 out of 47 seats each in the House of Assembly while the Independents (Labor) and the Nationals held the rest. The Labor Party formed the government with the help of the Independents.
Following this, the government had to deal with the repercussions of the collapse of the State Bank. On 1 September 1992, Bannon resigned from his position, taking political responsibility for the loss that the state bank incurred. Lynn Arnold, who had held the position of a minister under the Bannon government, was appointed premier on 4 September 1992, whereas Frank Blevins was elected as deputy premier uncontested.
An unstable minority government, which relied upon independent members for its support, was what Arnold took over. The position of Labor within the parliament had become even weaker after the defection of Terry Groom from the party. At the beginning, the independents gave their support to Arnold's government, and Groom as well as Martyn Evans joined the ministry on 1 October 1992.
Cabinet Party Portrait Minister Portfolio Labor Lynn Arnold for Ramsay Frank Blevins for Whyalla Don Hopgood for Baudin Chris Sumner Greg Crafter for Norwood Kym Mayes for Unley Bob Gregory for Florey Susan Lenehan for Mawson John Klunder for Todd Anne Levy Barbara Wiese Mike Rann for Briggs Independent LaborLabor Martyn Evans for Elizabeth Independent Labor Terry Groom for Hartley
Changes to the ministry
4 September 1992: Formation Arnold took the place of Bannon as premier. Blevins took the place of Don Hopgood as Deputy Premier and Treasurer. Hopgood initially had charge of the portfolios of health, family, community services, and the aged.
1 October 1992: Reshuffle A cabinet reshuffle was done on 1 October 1992. Hopgood left the ministry, but Evans and Groom from the ranks of Independent Labor joined the ministry. Evans took up the responsibility for Health, Family and Community Services, and The Age Group, whereas Groom took up the portfolio of Primary Industries and Minister Assisting the Premier in Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs. Arnold took up Economic Development and Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs portfolios and gave up other portfolios previously held. Blevins took up the additional portfolio of Mineral Resources and surrendered Finance, Transport, and Correctional Services.
Reshuffling has also led to distribution of duties between the other ministers. Greg Crafter has been transferred from Education and Children's Services portfolio to that of Housing, Urban Development and Local Government Relations and Recreation and Sport. Susan Lenehan is now Minister for Education, Employment and Training having been stripped off her previous duties of Environment and Planning, Lands and Water Resources. Kym Mayes took charge of Environment and Land Management, Emergency Services and Aboriginal Affairs, whereas John Klunder is the new Minister for Public Infrastructure. Bob Gregory is now Minister for Labour Relations and Occupational Health and Safety and for Correctional Services. Anne Levy has taken charge of Consumer Affairs and the Status of Women along with Arts and Cultural Heritage.
3 September 1993: Reshuffle Other changes came into force on 3 September 1993. Chris Sumner took up the Justice position, while Gregory acquired the Correctional Services from him and took up the position of State Services from Rann. The portfolio title of Mayes was changed to Minister for Environment and Natural Resources.
See also Cabinet of South Australia
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