Michael Pengilly MP
Michael Pengilly was born and raised on Kangaroo Island. He is married to Jan and they have three adult children, Tim, Sarah and Patrick. Michael held numerous positions before becoming the Member for Finniss including Mayor of the Kangaroo Island Council, Chairman of the SA Country Fire Service Board and Chair of the Hills Mallee and Southern Regional Health Service Board
Having run a farm near Emu Bay on Kangaroo Island, Michael has a first-hand understanding of the pressures placed on small businesses, and he has a plan for Finniss to ensure economic growth in the rural and regional centres within the electorate.
Michael has held numerous Shadow portfolios since entering Parliament. These include Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and Regional Development. Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Tourism, Southern Suburbs and State/Local Government Relations. Currently Michael is the Shadow Minister for Correctional Services, Veterans' and Southern Suburbs.
With the neglect of the Finniss communities by the Rann Government, Michael is fighting hard to secure more funds for roads, more local health services and a better deal on public transport. Michael also considers that the Rann Government’s approach to water security and their approach to saving the Murray and lower lakes have been completely inadequate, and that only a Liberal Government, with a realistic plan to deal with our water challenges, can deliver the water results we need.
Boyle Travers Finniss (1807-1893) emigrated to South Australia in 1836 as one of Colonel Light's surveyors. At various times he occupied the positions of Deputy Surveyor-General, Police Commissioner, Legislative Councillor, Colonial Secretary and in 1856 was chosen as the first Premier and Chief Secretary of the Province. He surveyed southern Fleurieu Peninsula and other areas.