Barry Wakelin

Barry Hugh Wakelin

While Wakelin's win was considered an upset, the election came at a very bad time for Labor in South Australia. The incumbent state Labor government was still reeling from the collapse of the State Bank of South Australia, and would be heavily defeated at the state election held later in 1993. At that latter election, Labor lost all but one seat within Grey's borders.

In 1996, Wakelin became the first non-Labor member in 53 years to be re-elected to Grey. He picked up a large swing of over six percent amid that year's decisive Coalition victory, turning Grey into a safe Liberal seat in one stroke. He held it without difficulty until his retirement in 2007.

He was father of

Barry Wakelin died on 19 December 2023 aged 77.[2]

• Personal website