Finniss MP and former Agriculture Minister David Basham will not be a part of the Liberal Opposition’s shadow cabinet.

Newly elected Opposition Leader David Speirs unveiled his shadow cabinet this week, with several familiar faces missing.

Mr Basham says he thinks the new line-up is a strong and united team, which will deliver a positive alternative agenda, but he has chosen not to be a part of this.

“I have decided that it is best that I focus all of my attention on my electorate of Finniss to ensure the people of the Fleurieu Peninsula are put first. 

“I want to thank David Speirs for the offer to be part of the new shadow cabinet and while I won’t be part of this, I am fully committed to returning a Liberal Government at the 2026 election. 

“It was a great privilege to serve the people of South Australia as the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and I am proud of what we were able to achieve in this area. 

“While I won’t be a formal part of the shadow cabinet, I will still be a strong voice for regional South Australia and look forward to delivering the absolute best outcomes for my electorate over the next four years. 

At the March 23 state election Mr Basham narrowly retained the formerly safe Liberal seat of Finniss from independent challenger Lou Nicholson.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Nicola Centofanti, has taken on Mr Basham’s former portfolio.

The Riverland-based MLC has been named shadow minister for regional South Australia, primary industries, water resources and the River Murray.

Hammond MP Adrian Pederick is shadow minister for veterans’ affairs, emergency services and regional roads.

Heysen PM Josh Teague has been named shadow Attorney-General, shadow minister for Aboriginal affairs, child protection and the prevention of family and domestic violence.