Jay Weatherill
Jay Wilson Weatherill AO (born 3 April 1964) is an Australian diplomat and former politician who served as the 45th Premier of South Australia from 21 October 2011 until 19 March 2018. A member of the South Australian Labor Party, Weatherill represented the House of Assembly seat of Cheltenham from the 2002 election until his retirement from politics on 17 December 2018.
Political Career
Weatherill succeeded Mike Rann as Premier, continuing the Labor Party's governance in South Australia, which had persisted for a record 16 years by the time of his departure. He faced opposition from the Liberal Party led by Steven Marshall, especially during the 2014 South Australian state election, in which Labor achieved an unprecedented fourth consecutive term.
During Weatherill's premiership, he advanced numerous policy initiatives. These included a notable deal to increase shopping hours on public holidays, supported by SDA secretary Peter Malinauskas, who later succeeded him as leader of the South Australian Labor Party, and Business SA chief executive Peter Vaughan. Additionally, Weatherill supported a Greens-initiated gay marriage bill, reflecting a progressive stance on same-sex marriage.
Major Projects and Initiatives
One of Weatherill's significant contributions was the opening of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) in 2013. The building, often referred to as "the cheese grater" due to its distinctive exterior design, became a landmark in Adelaide.
Weatherill was also instrumental in advocating for local defense manufacturing. His organized campaign, alongside workers at the Australian Submarine Corporation and the South Australian public, succeeded in securing a major contract for submarine construction. The Federal Government awarded the build to French company DCNS, with the majority of work to be undertaken in Osborne, South Australia.
Diplomatic Role
After retiring from politics, Weatherill transitioned to a role in diplomacy, reflecting his continued influence in both national and international spheres.