Steele Hall, a South Australian Political Stalwart, Passes Away

Steele Hall, a prominent figure in South Australian politics for over three decades, has passed away. Premier Peter Malinauskas has extended the offer of a state funeral to the Hall family in recognition of his significant contributions.

Hall's political career spanned both federal and state parliaments, beginning in 1965. He served as South Australia's 36th premier following the 1968 election, a period marked by major electoral reforms. These reforms, while contributing to his defeat in the 1970 election, were seen as a testament to his commitment to fairness and integrity.

Following his time as premier, Hall continued his political journey, forming the Liberal Movement and serving in the Senate. He later returned to the Liberal Party and held the seat of Boothby until 1996.

Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, with former premiers John Olsen and Steven Marshall highlighting Hall's courage, integrity, and commitment to principle. Olsen recalled Hall's willingness to put his government at risk for his beliefs and his calm demeanor, even on election day. Marshall praised Hall's decision to remove bias from the electoral system, even though it disadvantaged his own party.

Liberal senator Simon Birmingham described Hall as a "legend of South Australian politics," emphasizing his persuasive force and deep insights. Premier Malinauskas acknowledged Hall's significant role in shaping South Australian politics and offered condolences to his family and friends.

Political analyst Dean Jaensch considered Hall's greatest achievement to be dismantling the "Play-mander," an electoral system that unfairly favored his party. This move demonstrated Hall's commitment to a fair and democratic system, even at the expense of his own political advantage.

Steele Hall's legacy as a principled and courageous politician who prioritized fairness and integrity will undoubtedly endure in the annals of South Australian history.