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Host Partner

ADC Global Blockchain Summit

David Ridgway

The Hon David Ridgeway MLC, Minister of Trade, Tourism and investment

David Ridgway grew up in the small South-East community of Wolseley, South Australia. Fostering his interest in rural affairs, David travelled extensively and through connecting with other farming communities, developed his understanding of politics and community leadership.

As a young adult, David took over the family farm which had diversified into a large-scale horticultural operation. It was an experience which developed his understanding of business and exports. That business operation, along with the personal experience of raising a family in a rural community, reinforced David’s connection to regional South Australia.

Intent on playing a positive role in strengthening South Australia’s regional communities, David won a seat in the State’s Legislative Council in 2002. He served in a variety of portfolio areas and from 2007 until 2018, was the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and the Shadow Minister for several major portfolios such as Planning, Primary Industries and Tourism.

Following the Liberal Party's success at the March 2018 State Election, David was appointed Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment in Premier Steven Marshall’s Ministry.

Outside his role as a Member of Parliament, David enjoys spending time with family, exploring South Australia’s unique and diverse regions, and pursuing opportunities to promote his home State to prospective visitors, investors and customers.

South Australian Parliament

  • 2002 - elected from fourth position on the Liberal ticket at the election

  • 2005 - appointed Shadow Parliamentary Secretary

  • 2006 - appointed Shadow Minister for Environment and Conservation, The River Murray and Urban Development & Planning

  • 2007 - appointed Shadow Minister for Police and Mineral Resources Development (retained Urban Development & Planning)

  • 2007 - appointed Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council

  • 2013 - appointed Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Forests and Tourism

  • 2017 – appointed Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Primary Industries, Tourism

  • 2018 - appointed Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment and Member of the Executive Council