Former South Australian House of Assembly speaker Leon 'Biggles' Bignell is set to embark on a new international mission in the United Kingdom, with a key focus on improving the state's wine reputation, which he has described as 'terrible'.
A New Chapter for Biggles
Bignell, who retired from state politics at the March 2026 election, will jet off to the UK next week to take up a major role promoting South Australia. While opportunities related to the AUKUS submarine deal are a significant part of his brief, it is the state's wine industry that is foremost on his mind.
Wine Reputation in the UK
Despite South Australia producing some of the world's finest wines, Bignell believes the state's reputation in the UK is lagging. 'We have an incredible product, but we're not telling our story well enough,' he said. 'Our wine reputation in the UK is terrible compared to what it should be.'
Bignell aims to change that by engaging with British importers, distributors, and consumers to highlight the quality and diversity of South Australian wines. He plans to leverage his experience as a former tourism minister to boost the state's profile.
AUKUS and Beyond
In addition to wine, Bignell will focus on promoting South Australia's role in the AUKUS partnership, which involves the development of nuclear-powered submarines. The state is set to be a key hub for the program, bringing significant economic and industrial benefits.
'AUKUS is a game-changer for South Australia,' Bignell noted. 'We need to make sure the UK and our other partners understand the full range of capabilities we offer.'
A Long-Standing MP's New Role
Bignell served as the member for Mawson and later as Speaker of the House of Assembly. His retirement at the 2026 election marked the end of a long parliamentary career. However, his new role as a trade and investment commissioner in the UK demonstrates his continued commitment to advancing the state's interests on the global stage.
The appointment has been welcomed by industry leaders, who see Bignell's energy and experience as assets in promoting South Australia. 'Leon knows the state inside out and is passionate about our products,' said a representative from the South Australian Wine Industry Association. 'We're confident he will make a real difference.'
Bignell is expected to spend significant time in London and other UK cities, meeting with business leaders, government officials, and cultural figures to build stronger ties between South Australia and the United Kingdom.
