Labor MP calls for courage on refugees

Labor's rising star Peter Malinauskas has paid tribute to his refugee grandparents during his maiden speech in South Australia's parliament.

The 35-year-old union secretary, who has replaced disgraced MP Bernard Finnigan in the upper house, has long been touted as a future Labor leader.

Mr Malinauskas told the legislative council on Thursday that Australians must summon the courage to provide opportunities for those seeking better lives.

His Hungarian grandmother Eta and Lithuanian grandfather Peter fled to SA after World War II, eventually opening a fish and chips shop.

"This is a story about a young state in an even younger nation, whose infectious optimism for the future gave it the courage to accept others," he said.

Mr Malinauskas has served as state secretary of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association (SDA) since 2008.

He gained notoriety in 2011 for delivering Premier Jay Weatherill the factional support necessary to oust his predecessor Mike Rann.

A senior member of Labor's Right faction, Mr Malinauskas said the party should be focussed on occupying the political middle ground.

"I'm more interested in outcomes than ideological purity," he said.

"Markets are efficient but not infallible, government is necessary but really extraordinary, and free enterprise should flourish as long as it is fair."

There's strong speculation Mr Malinauskas could switch to a safe lower house seat at the next state election in 2018, a move which would leave him well-placed to pursue a leadership role.

It's also expected he'll be fast-tracked into the Weatherill ministry early next year.