'It's a big deal, it's never happened before': SA state government's cabinet reshuffle makes history

South Australia's state government's cabinet reshuffle is making history by becoming the state's first ministry with more women than men.

"It's a big deal, it's never happened before," Premier Peter Malinauskas said.

Some politicians are crediting outgoing Deputy Premier Susan Close for helping light the path.

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"It is incredibly special, and I think people like Susan really paved the way for us," incoming Environment Minister, Lucy Hood, said.

But while there are some new faces, the government's most seasoned minister is back in charge of the bank balance.

Tom Koustantonis was sworn in as treasurer for the second time, after the departure of fellow frontbencher Stephen Mullighan.

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The simultaneous exit from Close has paved the way for Kyam Maher to become the first Indigenous deputy premier in the country.

"It is a humbling thing to serve as an Aboriginal person, as Aboriginal affairs Minister as Attoney General and now as Deputy Premier," Maher said of the appointment.

The twin resignations of Mullighan and Close also triggered a significant shuffle of the deck of portfolios.

Rhiannon Pearce and Hood picking up their cabinet cards for the first time since their election to parliament in 2022.

Pearce steps into sport and emergency services, while Hood takes on environment in the midst of an algal bloom crisis.

"My first call walking out of Government House grounds today will be to Professor Mike Steer so I can be thoroughly briefed," Hood said.

The government's other behemoth task coming in infrastructure, with the Torrens to Darlington and new Women's and Children's Hospitals still taking up billions in the budget.

Those will now be managed by Emily Bourke as Infrastructure and Transport Minister.

Blair Boyer is adding to his collection, picking up police to pair his education card.

Joe Szakacs collects the industry portfolio, while the premier takes on defence for himself.

These ministers don't have long to settle into their new chairs with this Sunday marking just six months until South Australians go to the polls.

The timing of the reshuffle has ruffled feathers in the opposition camp.

"Their priority lies on the PR side and not the substance," Deputy Leader of the SA Liberal Party, Josh Teague, said.

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