Leon Bignell appointed as South Australia's new Agent-General in London

Former South Australian Minister and Speaker of the House of Assembly Leon Bignell has been appointed as South Australia's next Agent-General in London.

Mr Bignell will officially begin the four-year appointment on 27 May, succeeding David Ridgway, who has served in the role since July 2021 and chose not to seek another term.

Bringing decades of political, business and international experience to the position, Mr Bignell served in the Weatherill Government Cabinet between 2013 and 2018, overseeing portfolios including Tourism, Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Recreation and Sport, Racing and Forests.

During his ministerial tenure, South Australia experienced major growth in both tourism and exports, with the state's visitor economy doubling from $4 billion to $8 billion annually while premium food and wine exports expanded into new international markets.

Mr Bignell has also been heavily involved in South Australia's major events sector. Between 2022 and 2024, he chaired the Major Events Attraction Committee, helping secure and grow events that continue to deliver significant economic and tourism benefits across the state.

He represented the electorate of Mawson for 20 years, advocating strongly for communities across McLaren Vale, the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island before retiring at the 2026 State Election. In April 2024, he was elected Speaker of the House of Assembly.

Before entering politics, Mr Bignell built a successful journalism career and spent several years based in Switzerland working throughout Europe. The experience helped him establish strong professional networks across the United Kingdom and Europe, relationships expected to support South Australia's interests in his new role.

The South Australian Agent-General's office in London represents the state government across the United Kingdom and Europe, promoting trade, investment, migration, education, tourism and research opportunities.

The office also works closely with business and industry stakeholders to encourage international investment and support economic growth across South Australia.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said Mr Bignell would play an important role in strengthening South Australia's international relationships during a critical period for the state.

"Leon Bignell will be a strong advocate for South Australia and will continue the important work of strengthening our international relationships and economic opportunities abroad," the Premier said.

Mr Malinauskas also acknowledged outgoing Agent-General David Ridgway for his contribution and service to the state.

The Premier said the position had become increasingly significant as South Australia moves forward with major defence and industrial opportunities linked to AUKUS and the construction of conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines.

"The United Kingdom is a critical AUKUS partner, and South Australia's relationship with the UK will become increasingly important as we continue to build sovereign capability, strengthen defence industry partnerships and position our state as a global centre for advanced industrial capability," he said.

Mr Bignell said he was honoured to represent South Australia internationally and looked forward to promoting the state's strengths on the global stage.

"I love South Australia, its people and our state's can-do attitude," he said.

"We are leading the way in so many areas and it's important to have someone in market explaining who we are, where we are and why the world should buy our goods and services or invest in our state."

He said his previous experience living and working in Europe, combined with his knowledge of South Australia's industries and communities, would help him drive opportunities for the state across trade, tourism, investment and defence.

Mr Bignell also highlighted the importance of AUKUS and the growing partnership between South Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, describing the coming years as pivotal for the state's future economic and industrial development.