Irene Pnevmatikos MLC has informed the South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas and the State Parliamentary Labor Party of her intention to resign from the Legislative Council due to ongoing health issues.
Ms Pnevmatikos was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2022 and has been undergoing dialysis three times a week after her kidney was removed.
Ms Pnevmatikos will provide further detail later this week in an address to State Parliament, but thanked everyone for their support.
“I take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me over the years. I wish the incoming member all the best. I know they will serve the people of South Australia well,” she said in a statement.
Ms Pnevmatikos has served in the Legislative Council for five and a half years and has advocated fiercely for the interests of South Australians.
She has chaired the Legislative Review Committee and committees inquiring into wage theft and the gig economy.
Ms Pnevmatikos is the daughter and wife of working-class Greek migrants who came to this country seeking democracy and economic fairness.
Prior to her election in 2018, she served in a variety of roles at the Workers Compensation Tribunal and worked as a solicitor and equity partner in her own law firm.
Premier Malinauskas said Ms Pnevmatikos’ enthusiasm, conviction and advocacy will be missed, and thanked her for her service to the state.
“During her five and a half years in the Legislative Council, Irene has been a passionate advocate for social justice and a fair go. She has fought hard to represent those whose voices have not been heard,” the SA Premier said.
“I will have more to say on Irene’s career, and on the process to fill a casual vacancy in the Legislative Council, in due course.”
