Stepping into the Parliament House office of SA-BEST MLC Connie (Constadina) Bonaros feels less like entering a traditional political workspace and more like being welcomed into the saloni of a Greek home.
Speaking with The Greek Herald at Parliament House in Adelaide, Bonaros reflected on her Greek identity, her commitment to legislative reform, and her path into politics, which began through her work alongside SA-BEST founder Nick Xenophon.
A space that reflects identity
The strong Hellenic presence in Bonaros’ office is impossible to miss. A briki sits ready for Greek coffee, served in a traditional filtzani, while Greek artefacts reflect her pride in heritage.
Taking centre stage is a vibrant woollen blanket passed down from her grandmother – Bonaros’ favourite piece in the room. Alongside it are artworks created by her son and several Indigenous paintings, highlighting the breadth of her values.
Also on display is a shovel with a commemorative plaque, symbolising her role in securing grants and donations for the education centre at the Community and Parish of Prophet Elias in Norwood.
“It’s everything I love and everything I stand for politically,” Bonaros said.
“My Greek heritage and culture are front and centre. When I moved into this office, everything just came with me. I wanted it to feel like home and to reflect who I am.”
From adviser to Parliament
Bonaros is quick to acknowledge the role Nick Xenophon played in shaping her political career. She first joined his office in 2005 after a memorable interview that she still recalls with humour.
“The door flung open and in flew this man I recognised only from the TV news,” she said.
“He asked me a few questions, then a radio host called. Nick asked if I knew who it was – I nervously said yes. It was a complete stab in the dark, but I got it right.”
A graduate in Law and Arts, majoring in Modern Greek and social politics, Bonaros went on to work as a senior adviser and later Chief of Staff to Senator Stirling Griff at both state and federal levels.
After an unsuccessful run in 2014, she was elected to South Australia’s Legislative Council on March 17, 2018.
Family, migration and politics in the blood
The youngest of three children, Bonaros was born to Dimitrios and Dimitra – Jim and Toula – whose migration stories mirror those of many Greek Australians.
Her father arrived in Australia from Pylos at the age of 11, while her mother migrated from Paradeisia in Arcadia as a teenager. The family divided their time between Adelaide and Coober Pedy, where Jim worked as an opal miner and dealer.
When Bonaros was elected to Parliament, her mother proudly told her that politics “ran in the family.” Sadly, Toula passed away just weeks later, before hearing her daughter’s maiden speech.
“My mum always said my interest in politics came from her side of the family,” Bonaros said.
“Her father was involved in local politics in Greece and served as mayor of his village. I also spent a year living with my mother’s family in Greece in my early 20s, which shaped me deeply.”
Reform, advocacy and looking ahead
Known for her energetic social media presence, Bonaros has built a reputation as a strong advocate for gambling reform, victims’ rights, child protection, gender equality and ending period poverty. She is also an ambassador for KickStart for Kids.
Her parliamentary achievements include amendments to the Equal Opportunity Act, legislation banning unsafe LPG bottle sales, criminalising child-like sex dolls, and Australia-first reforms aligning drug-driving laws with drink-driving offences.
She also initiated the inquiry into bullying and harassment in the legal profession and played a key role in formalising the Athens–Adelaide Sister City Agreement in September.
“I’m excited about what these relationships can mean,” she said.
“There is huge opportunity in connecting two extraordinary cities like Athens and Adelaide.”
As South Australia heads toward the March 2026 election, Bonaros shows no sign of slowing down – driven by heritage, conviction and a determination to deliver tangible change for the community she represents.
Connie along with other SA politicians will be campaigning early 2026 for to re-election in the next state election to be held in mid-March 2026.
