2026 Economic Outlook Address

The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP was elected to the South Australian Parliament at just 26 years of age, making him one of the youngest Members of Parliament in the State’s history.
He is now the longest-serving MP in the South Australian Parliament, having been re-elected by his community for 29 years as the Member for West Torrens.
Tom currently serves as Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Mining, Minister for Public Sector, and Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly. Over his distinguished career, he has also held a broad range of senior portfolios, including Correctional Services, Youth and Volunteers, Gambling, Small Business, State Development, and Transport and Infrastructure.

Early Life and Career
Tom was raised in Adelaide’s western suburbs by his Greek migrant parents, Tony and Toula. He attended Cowandilla and Netley Primary Schools before completing his secondary education at Adelaide High School. He later studied at the University of Adelaide.

He joined the Australian Labor Party at a young age, inspired by Labor stalwart and former Deputy Premier, the late Jack Wright.

Before entering Parliament, Tom worked as a union advocate with the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA), and later in the office of then Shadow Attorney-General Michael Atkinson.

Public Life and Values
Tom entered Parliament with a strong commitment to making a difference for working people—those who rely on the advocacy and support of a Labor Government. His key passions include job creation, green energy, and strengthening South Australia’s manufacturing sector.

A proud member of the Greek-Australian community, Tom maintains strong ties to his heritage and the western suburbs community he represents.

Personal Life
Tom is married to Anthea, and together they have two daughters, Tia and Helena. The family lives in Torrensville.
Outside of politics, Tom is a passionate supporter of the Liverpool FC.

Summary
With nearly three decades of parliamentary service, Tom Koutsantonis is one of South Australia’s most experienced and respected political figures, known for his dedication to his community, strong economic leadership, and commitment to working families.

During two decades as a journalist, Daniela anchored global news coverage for the BBC in London, served as Chief Political Correspondent for SBS in the Canberra Press Gallery and held senior political reporting roles with ABC News and Network Ten.

Following her television career, she led media and communications for an ASX 50 company and a national communications agency, advising on high-stakes messaging, media engagement and reputation.

Daniela now runs her own consultancy, providing executive media and presentation training and strategic communications advice. She is a trusted master of ceremonies, known for sharp, well-researched interviews and for leading informed, engaging conversations with senior leaders and decision-makers.

Rick Persse was appointed to lead the Department of the Premier and Cabinet in December 2024.

An accomplished public sector leader, Rick joined the department after a successful period from April 2022 as South Australia’s Under Treasurer leading the Department of Treasury and Finance.

Prior to Treasury, Rick was Chief Executive of the Department for Education for 6 years, after leading the Attorney-General’s Department for 4 years.

With expertise in policy and strategy development, transformation, public sector reform and major project delivery, Rick’s knowledge of public administration comes from an expansive career building and leading teams in the Government of South Australia.