Results of the 1979 South Australian state election (House of Assembly)

The 1979 South Australian state election, held on 15 September 1979, determined the composition of the 47th House of Assembly. The incumbent Australian Labor Party (ALP) government, led by Premier Des Corcoran, was defeated by the Liberal Party, led by Leader of the Opposition David Tonkin.

The election resulted in a significant swing against the ALP, ending their 15 years in government. The Liberal Party secured a majority in the House of Assembly, allowing Tonkin to form a government.

The final seat count was:

• Liberal Party: 27 seats
• Australian Labor Party: 20 seats

This outcome marked a return to government for the Liberal Party in South Australia after a period of opposition. Key issues in the campaign included economic management, industrial relations, and electricity prices. The result reflected public dissatisfaction with the performance of the Corcoran government and a desire for change. The election saw an increase in voter turnout compared to the previous election. The distribution of preferences played a significant role in determining the final outcome in several close contests.