Labor powerbroker Peter Malinauskas has been sworn into South Australia's parliament, but his closest associates believe he's headed for greater things.
The 35-year-old was sworn into the legislative council on Tuesday, replacing disgraced MP Bernard Finnigan who resigned after being found guilty of a child pornography charge.
Mr Malinauskas has served as state secretary of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association (SDA) since 2008 and has long been touted as a future Labor leader.
He gained notoriety in 2011 for delivering Premier Jay Weatherill the factional support necessary to oust former premier Mike Rann.
One of his closest associates in Labor's Right faction, Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis, said MPs should expect big things from the rising star.
"He is a fine young man who has a fine future and a name we'll be hearing a lot more of in the future," Mr Koutsantonis told parliament at the swearing-in ceremony.
"He'll be an ornament to the house. Enjoy him while you can."
The treasurer said he was pleased his long-time friend had resisted overtures to seek a federal seat and stayed in SA with his young family.
There's strong speculation Mr Malinauskas could switch to a safe lower house seat at the next state election in 2018, a move which would leave him well-placed to pursue a leadership role.
It's also expected he'll be fast-tracked into the Weatherill ministry early next year.
Mr Weatherill has confirmed he'll consider a ministerial reshuffle over the new year, and has not ruled out making Mr Malinauskas the party's leader in the upper house at the expense of Gail Gago.
"He is certainly a person who has an enormous talent and I'm sure he'll make a very significant contribution to South Australia," the premier said.
Mr Malinauskas, who has served in executive roles in the state and federal Labor parties, said he wasn't getting ahead of himself.
"Of course I'll serve in any capacity that the premier and party ask me to," he told reporters.
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