South Australia's 45th premier, Jay Weatherill, will lead both the ALP and the state to future victories, outgoing Premier Mike Rann says.
To applause, handshakes and some laughter, Mr Rann navigated his final question time in state parliament on Thursday, thanking his ministers, fellow MPs, staff and the public service for their support.
He will present his resignation as premier to the governor on Friday morning, allowing the Labor caucus to officially endorse Jay Weatherill as his successor.
Mr Weatherill is then expected to unveil his restyled front bench and make the short trip to Government House to be sworn in.
He takes over after Labor's right and left factions united behind him as the best person to lead the party to the next election in the wake of a slump in public opinion, both for the government and Mr Rann.
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The outgoing leader told parliament he was confident Mr Weatherill would be a great premier "who will lead not only our party, but our state to future victories".
"My own view is that South Australia is positioned for greatness if we continue to look forward and not be distracted by a noisy minority who oppose, and have always opposed, any change," he said.
Mr Rann said any progress that had been made since he took the job as premier in 2002 was the result of teamwork and any failings were his responsibility.
He thanked the people of SA for their support and for their confidence in three successive elections.
"I take full responsibility for any of the government's failings, and give thanks and credit to South Australians for our state's new confidence, its growing momentum, and its even greater aspirations."
He said every premier wanted to leave office with their state in better shape than when they were sworn in, but said he would leave it to others to decide if he had been successful.
"Personally, I leave in good spirits with malice towards none," Mr Rann said.
Mr Weatherill said Mr Rann had presided over a transformation in every aspect of the state, economically, environmentally and socially.
He said the premier had also helped rebuild public confidence in Labor's ability to govern after two terms in opposition.
