T H E B AROSSA MAG | 31
The lighter side
of the bench
WORDS BY HEIDI HELBIG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM KROEPSCH
If the game of politics is ruthless
and unforgiving, someone forgot
to tell Courtney Nourse.
The 26-year-old from Nuriootpa
is Ministerial Advisor to one
of the State’s most influential
powerbrokers, Stephan Knoll, and
she’s loving every minute of it.
Courtney has remained staunchly
by his side during his epic rise
from Opposition backbencher
to senior Cabinet Minister
overseeing four of the State’s
most demanding portfolios.
Admittedly their workplace
isn’t the most conventional but
Courtney counts herself lucky to
work for both a principled leader
and a trusted friend.
“Politics is very different to other
boss-employee relationships due
to the nature of the job,”
Courtney says.
“It’s demanding but the Minister is
so good at what he does, incredibly
knowledgeable and across his
information – he really breaks
the mould and I’m proud to
work for someone like him.”
Courtney herself has been on a
steep learning curve since her
party broke a 16-year drought in
Opposition in March this year.
Walking the hallowed corridors of
Parliament House is a far cry from
the Schubert electorate office in
Tanunda.
“It’s normal now – I think I’m
used to it – but the first time you
do it, you definitely have to pinch
yourself,” says Courtney.
Working alongside a small team
of advisors and a chief of staff,
Courtney’s day-to-day role is
as broad as her job description.
With portfolio responsibilities
spanning Renewal SA and Local
Government, she also acts as
the liaison between MPs and the
department, researches policy
and travels regional South Australia
with the Minister.