The Hon. Peter Malinauskas, Premier of South Australia, Media Release, 17 April 2026
The re-elected Malinauskas Labor Government will continue taking decision-making out of Adelaide and into regional South Australia, with Country Cabinet meetings set to remain a key part of how the Government listens, engages and delivers.
Country Cabinet ensures regional communities have a direct voice at the Cabinet table, giving locals the opportunity to speak face-to-face with Ministers and senior decision-makers about the issues that matter most to them.
The future of South Australia must be shaped not just in Adelaide, but in communities right across the state. The first Country Cabinet since the election will be in the Limestone Coast, providing locals with the opportunity to engage directly with policymakers.
To be held on Thursday, 14 May and Friday, 15 May, it will include a public forum and a Cabinet meeting with Limestone Coast councils invited to present to the meeting.
The Limestone Coast is one of South Australia’s most productive and economically significant regions, underpinned by strong agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors.
The region produces 55 per cent of the state’s beef cattle, 70 per cent of its forestry and logging output, and 58 per cent of its milk production.
Mount Gambier, South Australia’s largest regional city, continues to play a vital role in driving regional growth and attracting visitors to the state through its unique natural attractions.
The Limestone Coast’s Gross Regional Product is estimated at $5.09 billion, representing 3.59 per cent of the State’s economy.
In recognition of the region’s importance, the Malinauskas Labor Government has invested:
- $16 million to establish the Forestry Centre for Excellence
- $35 million for the Mount Gambier Technical College
- $5 million for Mount Gambier TAFE
- $5.5 million for the Limestone Coast Regional Connectivity Program
An open community forum will be held on Thursday, 14 May, with a community BBQ from 5:00pm, followed by the forum from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.
Community members are encouraged to attend, share their views and help shape the future of the region. For more information and to register, visit: www.countrycabinet.sa.gov.au.
Country Cabinet was reinstated by the Malinauskas Labor Government after it was discontinued under the former Liberal Government, and has since been delivered across regional South Australia, including the Limestone Coast, Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Yorke Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, the Adelaide Hills, Naracoorte, the Eyre Peninsula, Victor Harbor and Goolwa, the Northern Adelaide Plains, the Clare Valley, Kapunda, and the APY Lands.
Quotes attributable to Premier Peter Malinauskas
Country Cabinet meetings are about making sure regional South Australians are heard directly, clearly and at the highest level.
Getting out into regional communities and listening firsthand is critical to making better decisions, because the best insights come from the people who live and work in these regions every day.
The Limestone Coast is a powerhouse region for our state, contributing more than $5 billion to the economy and supporting thousands of jobs.
I’m looking forward to getting back to the Limestone Coast, meeting with the community and hearing firsthand about the opportunities and challenges ahead.
