Justin Hanson

Justin Hanson is an Australian politician who was appointed to the South Australian Legislative Council for the South Australian Branch of the Australian Labor Party on 28 February 2017.[2]

Gerry Kandelaars resigned from parliament on 17 February 2017, which created a casual vacancy and subsequent appointment.[3][4] Hanson filled the vacancy.[5]

Justin grew up and went to school in the Western Suburbs of Adelaide, later studying at Christian Brothers College. He obtained Law and Arts degrees from the University of Adelaide.

Before entering Parliament Justin was elected as a Councillor in the City of Tea Tree Gully in Balmoral Ward, representing a ward containing the Tea Tree Plaza Westfield as well as over 6000 residences or around 15,000 residents. Tea Tree Gully Council is one of the largest in the State and has an annual budget in excess of 100 million dollars. In addition to his duties to residents, Justin served on several key committees, including as Chair of the Audit Committee.

Justin has qualifications in the Superannuation Industry and has also worked in the South Australian Finance Industry. He was a Director on the Board of Statewide Superannuation – a fund based in South Australia, investing and managing in excess of $8 billion in funds, servicing over 22,000 employers, and with over 140,000 South Australians as members.

Justin also served for more than a decade as the Legal Officer of the Australian Workers Union in South Australia – mediating disputes and representing employees in the Mining, Grain, Steel, and Local Government industries.

Justin was also a Board member and Chair at the not for profit Neil Sachse Foundation, an organisation dedicated to spinal injury research that has worked together with the South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) to research advanced imaging of the spine.

Justin is passionate about the importance of industry to the South Australian economy and how to involve everyone in it through social and economic inclusion. While in office Justin has spoken against the privatisation or outsourcing of the city trams and trains, any possible sale of SA Pathology, and spoken for the creation of an export-focused manufacturing sector based on renewable energy. He aims to build a stronger and fairer society through the involvement of community leaders. His policy interests include regional development, more efficient and less costly energy, defence industries, and job creation. [6]