SA:Former SA treasurer Foley quits politics

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2011
SA:Former SA treasurer Foley quits politics

By Tim Dornin

ADELAIDE, Dec 12 AAP - He's a fan of Cold Chisel but former South Australian treasurer
Kevin Foley is more likely to quote Frank Sinatra when describing his political career:
"I did it my way."

The sometimes controversial Mr Foley handed in his resignation from parliament on Monday
after serving as the member for Port Adelaide for 18 years since his election in 1993.

He will set up his own business in South Australia next year, providing "strategic
advice", with his departure clearing the way for a by-election early in 2012 in his safe
Labor seat.

Flanked by his sons Ryan and Ben, Mr Foley told reporters he has had a "wonderful career",
though he didn't want to dwell on the highs or lows.

"If you had said to me when I walked out of Royal Park High School at 16, halfway through
year 11, that I would one day be the deputy premier and treasurer of this great state
for nearly nine years, I would have said you were joking.

"It's had its ups, it's had its downs, it's had its crazy moments and it's had its
enormous pleasures.

"And I am very satisfied with what I have done in politics.

"So, that's it. Goodbye and how do you say it .... see ya later, and I did it my way."

Mr Foley's biggest claim to fame as treasurer was restoring the state's AAA credit
rating, one it could lose after the state government's mid-year budget review later this
week.

But he became the focus of intense union anger after his final budget in 2010 when
he announced major cuts to public service jobs and conditions.

Late last year his private life was also questioned when he was the subject of a violent
bashing outside an Adelaide nightclub.

Mr Foley defended himself after the incident and then in February this year decided
to stand down as deputy premier and treasurer, taking on the more minor role of police
minister instead.

Several months later he stepped down from the cabinet altogether, flagging his departure
from politics before the end of the year.

Former premier Mike Rann said Mr Foley played a crucial role in restoring the state's
finances after Labor came to power in 2002.

He said the former treasurer had also been instrumental in SA winning major defence
contracts and in finalising negotiations with mining giant BHP Billiton for the $30 billion
expansion at the Olympic Dam uranium and copper mine.

"He's made a huge contribution to SA's economic development," Mr Rann said.

Premier Jay Weatherill said Mr Foley had helped transform SA's economic fortunes.

AAP tjd/afr/goc/

KEYWORD: FOLEY WRAP (WITH PICS)

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