Dan Cregan, the South Australian Police Minister and MP for Kavel since 2018, has announced his resignation from the cabinet as he prepares to retire from politics at the next election. Cregan’s decision is driven by the need to care for a close family member who has recently suffered a stroke.
Initially a member of the Liberal Party, Cregan became an independent after expressing concerns that the previous Marshall government was overlooking the Adelaide Hills area. His political journey saw him appointed as speaker before he gained a cabinet position under the Labor government, which invested significantly in the Adelaide Hills, funding various infrastructure projects including a new hospital and an upgraded emergency department.
Reflecting on his tenure, Cregan expressed some regret for not taking more decisive action earlier in his career. Looking ahead, he intends to support another independent candidate as his successor, who is expected to have the backing of federal independent Rebekha Sharkie. This move could pose a challenge for the state Liberals as they work to reclaim the Kavel seat. Cregan believes that the independent approach aligns more closely with the interests of his community.