SA’s junior Gov named as state awaits Adamson’s replacement
As chatter continues over who will be the state’s next Governor – an Adelaide eighteen-year-old has won the junior job.
Flinders University law student Madison Spencer has been named South Australia’s 32nd Youth Governor after being voted in by her peers.
The accolade comes as the state government keeps its discussions under wraps after Her Excellency The Honourable Frances Adamson AC in April announced she would be leaving Government House when her tenure ends on October 6.
While the Premier tried to talk Adamson out of the decision, he has not yet announced her replacement.
But today, the government revealed that Spencer was voted into the Youth Government role when the 31st SA Youth Parliament ended this month, an annual week-long program run by YMCA SA that gives young people aged 15 to 25 a platform to tackle political issues facing young people.
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Spencer has been a regular participant in Youth Parliament having spent the past three years in various roles including Youth Minister for Accessibility and Human Services, Deputy Leader in the Youth Legislative Council, and Opposition Whip in the Youth House of Assembly.
Youth Parliamentarians work together to write a Youth Bill on topics debated in Parliament House before final copies are presented for the government’s consideration.
As Youth Governor, Spencer will act as the presiding member over parliament to maintain order during debates and sign off on approved Youth Bills.
They include: the Youth Homelessness Support Bill 2026, Human Rights Bill 2026, and First Nations Equity Healthcare Bill 2026.
Spencer said issues like homelessness and equality were prominent debate topics in the last Youth Parliament sitting as it was something “experienced firsthand”, with members pushing to see “a lot of change in their personal communities”.
“The youth parliament program in general is very passionate about diversity and inclusivity, and especially we talk a lot about caring for the South Australian regions and people living in regional South Australia,” Spencer told InDaily
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“It would be super amazing for people in the government or just anyone in the world of politics in general to look at our ideas. I think it’s lovely when young people have their voices heard in that way, or join any sort of groups or committees where they can directly give feedback to ministers.
“A lot of our stakeholders do receive a copy of our bill book, and so it’s always lovely to hear what they think about our ideas.”
Spencer said she was “very passionate” about civic participation, civic education, and how younger people can be more involved in parliamentary issues.
“I look forward to working alongside Youth Parliament participants to hear their diverse experiences, develop meaningful solutions and connect them with key stakeholders and educational pathways to further their individual journeys as young leaders,” Spencer said.
As a recent graduate of University Senior College in 2025, Spencer has undertaken studies at Flinders University with a double degree in law and international relations, and political science with honours.
She has also been involved with the SA Student Representative Council and is involved actively involved in the UN Youth SA where she assists the organisation to facilitate educational programs and competitions.
The YMCA has delivered the Youth Parliament program in SA for more than three decades, with the Department of Human Services providing $100,000 in program funding for the 2026 iteration.
Human Services Minister Katrine Hildyard congratulated Spencer on being nominated for the role, describing it as a “brilliant achievement that reflects her years of dedication”.
“The role of Youth Governor is an important one as it gives a talented young South Australian valuable opportunities to represent their peers, be heard by decision- makers, and help shape solutions on the issues that matter most to young people,” Hildyard said.
“Madison’s journey through Youth Parliament, from Minister to Opposition Whip and now Youth Governor, speaks to her commitment and growth as a leader, and I have no doubt she will be a standout representative for young South Australians in the year ahead.
“The wisdom, insight and passion demonstrated by Madison and her fellow Youth Parliamentarians last week was remarkable. At a time when our precious democracy is more important than ever, it gave me hope that our state’s future is in safe hands.”
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