About Michael Pengilly

Michael Pengilly was born and raised on Kangaroo Island. He and his wife Jan have three grown children, Tim, Sarah and Patrick. Michael has held numerous positions before his pre-selection as the Liberal candidate for Finniss including Mayor of the Kangaroo Island Council, Chairman of the SA Country Fire Service Board, Chairman of the Hills Mallee and Southern Regional Health Service Board and farmer of his property near Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island.

In November 2005 the sitting Liberal Member for Finniss, Hon. Dean Brown announced his retirement from Parliament. Michael was pre-selected as Minister Brown’s successor and commenced his election campaign. The March 2006 State Elections saw Michael become the successful candidate as Liberal Member for Finniss and was elected to the State Parliament’s House of Assembly as the new Member.

Numerous shadow ministerial responsibilities have been held by Michael 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 a Member of the Public Works Committee and the Joint Parliamentary Services Committee. The Act requires all public works valued above $4 million be presented to the Public Works Committee. This allows scrutiny of the value of the project and ensures where possible that the money is well spent. The Joint Parliamentary Service Committee is an Administrative Committee, established under the Parliament (Joint Services) Act 1985. It manages the services, building and precincts of the Parliament. It is appointed at the first sitting after each general election and continues for the life of that Parliament.

Michael’s family have resided within the region for many decades and have faced a multitude of challenges in that time. As Member for Finniss, Michael is dedicated to dealing with issues that affect the various communities in his electorate and acts as a voice to make a real difference.