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

South Australian state election, 15 September 1979 House of Assembly
<< 1977–1982 >> :
| Enrolled voters | Enrolled voters | 826,586 | | | | |
| Votes cast | Votes cast | 769,080 | | Turnout | 93.04 | -0.33 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | 34,104 | | Informal | 4.43 | +1.72 |
| Summary of votes by party |||||||
| Party | Party | Primary votes | % | Swing | Seats | Change |
| | Liberal | 352,343 | 47.94 | +6.73 | 24 | + 7 |
| | Labor | 300,277 | 40.86 | –10.78 | 20 | – 7 |
| | Democrats | 60,979 | 8.30 | +4.82 | 1 | ± 0 |
| | National Country | 14,013 | 1.91 | +0.31 | 1 | ± 0 |
| | Independent | 7,364 | 1.00 | +0.61 | 1 | + 1 |
| Total | Total | 734,976 | | | 47 | |
| Two-party-preferred |||||||
| | Liberal | 404,232 | 55.00 | +8.40 | | |
| | Labor | 330,734 | 45.00 | –8.40 | | |
This is a list of House of Assembly results for the 1979 South Australian state election.

## Results by electoral district
### Adelaide

1979 South Australian state election: Adelaide :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Jack Wright | 7,436 | 54.5 | -11.7 |
| | Liberal | Terry McClean | 4,506 | 33.0 | -0.8 |
| | Democrats | Reginald Goldsworthy | 1,540 | 11.3 | +11.3 |
| | Australia | Howard Houck | 169 | 1.2 | +1.2 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 13,651 | 93.4 | −2.7 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 962 | 6.6 | +2.7 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 14,613 | 89.7 | −0.4 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Jack Wright | 8,291 | 60.7 | -5.5 |
| | Liberal | Terry McClean | 5,360 | 39.3 | +5.5 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -5.5 | |

### Albert Park

1979 South Australian state election: Albert Park :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Kevin Hamilton | 7,901 | 49.6 | -14.5 |
| | Liberal | Hans Ehmann | 6,507 | 40.8 | +4.9 |
| | Democrats | Rosalyn Lawson | 1,527 | 9.6 | +9.6 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 19,935 | 94.2 | −2.0 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 980 | 5.8 | +2.0 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 16,915 | 93.4 | −1.2 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Kevin Hamilton | 8,589 | 53.9 | -10.2 |
| | Liberal | Hans Ehmann | 7,346 | 46.1 | +10.2 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -10.2 | |

### Alexandra

1979 South Australian state election: Alexandra :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Ted Chapman | 11,584 | 69.7 | +8.2 |
| | Labor | Helen McSkimming | 3,614 | 21.7 | -4.4 |
| | Democrats | Kaye Gibbs | 1,434 | 8.6 | -3.8 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 16,632 | 96.8 | −1.4 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 547 | 3.2 | +1.4 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Ted Chapman | 12,301 | 74.0 | +6.3 |
| | Labor | Helen McSkimming | 4,331 | 26.0 | -6.3 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +6.3 | |

### Ascot Park

1979 South Australian state election: Ascot Park :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | John Trainer | 7,066 | 48.0 | -11.2 |
| | Liberal | Frank Chapman | 6,116 | 41.5 | +12.4 |
| | Democrats | Kenneth Johnson | 1,549 | 10.5 | -1.2 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 14,731 | 95.7 | −2.4 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 656 | 4.3 | +2.4 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 15,387 | 93.6 | −0.7 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | John Trainer | 7,609 | 51.7 | -12.1 |
| | Liberal | Frank Chapman | 7,122 | 48.3 | +12.1 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -12.1 | |

### Baudin

1979 South Australian state election: Baudin :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Don Hopgood | 8,918 | 48.2 | -18.5 |
| | Liberal | Thomas Mitchell | 7,083 | 38.2 | +4.9 |
| | Democrats | Paul Dawe | 2,520 | 13.6 | +13.6 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 18,521 | 95.0 | −1.0 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 969 | 5.0 | +1.0 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 19,490 | 92.4 | −1.3 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Don Hopgood | 10,321 | 55.7 | -11.0 |
| | Liberal | Thomas Mitchell | 8,200 | 44.3 | +11.0 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -11.0 | |

### Bragg

1979 South Australian state election: Bragg :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | David Tonkin | 9,784 | 66.0 | +0.7 |
| | Labor | Carolyn Latta | 3,408 | 23.0 | -11.7 |
| | Democrats | Guy Harley | 1,637 | 11.0 | +11.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 14,830 | 96.4 | −1.2 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 547 | 3.6 | +1.2 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 15,377 | 92.0 | +0.4 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | David Tonkin | 10,603 | 71.5 | +6.2 |
| | Labor | Carolyn Latta | 4,227 | 28.5 | -6.2 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +6.2 | |

### Brighton

1979 South Australian state election: Brighton :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Dick Glazbrook | 8,195 | 48.7 | +14.4 |
| | Labor | Hugh Hudson | 6,908 | 41.0 | -11.6 |
| | Democrats | Ronald Moulds | 1,731 | 10.3 | -2.8 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 16,834 | 96.6 | −1.9 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 600 | 3.4 | +1.9 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 17,434 | 93.5 | −1.2 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Dick Glazbrook | 9,209 | 54.7 | +12.5 |
| | Labor | Hugh Hudson | 7,625 | 45.3 | -12.5 |
| | Liberal gain from Labor | Liberal gain from Labor | Swing | +12.5 | |

### Chaffey

1979 South Australian state election: Chaffey :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Peter Arnold | 9,970 | 61.1 | +1.5 |
| | Labor | Roland Telfer | 5,455 | 33.5 | -6.9 |
| | Democrats | Rowland Beech | 876 | 5.4 | +5.4 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 16,301 | 95.6 | −1.9 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 748 | 4.4 | +1.9 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 17,049 | 94.3 | +0.9 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Peter Arnold | 10,408 | 63.8 | +4.2 |
| | Labor | Roland Telfer | 5,893 | 36.2 | -4.2 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +4.2 | |

### Coles

1979 South Australian state election: Coles :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Jennifer Adamson | 9,502 | 57.8 | +6.4 |
| | Labor | Andrew Cunningham | 5,566 | 33.9 | -14.7 |
| | Democrats | Jennifer Hill | 1,127 | 6.9 | +6.9 |
| | Independent | Jim Bourne | 248 | 1.5 | +1.5 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 16,443 | 95.9 | −1.3 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 705 | 4.1 | +1.3 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 17,148 | 93.1 | −1.3 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Jennifer Adamson | 10,195 | 62.0 | +10.6 |
| | Labor | Andrew Cunningham | 6,248 | 38.0 | -10.6 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +10.6 | |

### Davenport

1979 South Australian state election: Davenport :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Dean Brown | 12,253 | 75.0 | +10.5 |
| | Labor | David Cox | 2,548 | 15.6 | -4.6 |
| | Democrats | John Phillips | 1,533 | 9.4 | -3.8 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 16,334 | 98.0 | −0.8 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 325 | 2.0 | +0.8 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 16,659 | 92.6 | −0.3 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Dean Brown | 13,020 | 79.7 | +7.5 |
| | Labor | David Cox | 3,314 | 20.3 | -7.5 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +7.5 | |

### Elizabeth

1979 South Australian state election: Elizabeth :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Peter Duncan | 8,809 | 54.7 | -17.7 |
| | Liberal | Dick Pratt | 5,284 | 32.8 | +5.2 |
| | Democrats | Colin Nieass | 2,021 | 12.5 | +12.5 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 16,114 | 94.1 | −0.6 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,012 | 5.9 | +0.6 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 17,126 | 92.2 | −0.2 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Peter Duncan | 9,820 | 60.9 | -11.5 |
| | Liberal | Dick Pratt | 6,294 | 39.1 | +11.5 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -11.5 | |

### Eyre

1979 South Australian state election: Eyre :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Graham Gunn | 7,856 | 59.9 | +6.4 |
| | Labor | Barry Piltz | 5,250 | 40.1 | +17.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 13,106 | 96.1 | −1.8 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 538 | 3.9 | +1.8 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 13,644 | 89.1 | +0.3 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +6.4 | |

### Fisher

1979 South Australian state election: Fisher :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Stan Evans | 11,886 | 62.5 | +2.1 |
| | Labor | Alvan Roman | 4,783 | 25.1 | -14.5 |
| | Democrats | Robert Hercus | 2,350 | 12.4 | +12.4 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 19,019 | 97.6 | +0.1 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 465 | 2.4 | −0.1 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 19,484 | 94.3 | +0.7 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Stan Evans | 13,061 | 68.7 | +8.3 |
| | Labor | Alvan Roman | 5,958 | 31.3 | -8.3 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +8.3 | |

### Flinders

1979 South Australian state election: Flinders :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | National | Peter Blacker | 7,833 | 53.9 | +2.4 |
| | Liberal | Brian Fitzgerald | 3,931 | 27.0 | +3.5 |
| | Labor | Terrence Krieg | 2,784 | 19.1 | -5.9 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 14,548 | 97.3 | −1.4 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 403 | 2.7 | +1.4 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 14,951 | 93.8 | −1.4 |
| Two-candidate-preferred result ||||||
| | National | Peter Blacker | 10,199 | 70.1 | -1.4 |
| | Liberal | Brian Fitzgerald | 4,349 | 29.9 | +29.9 |
| | National hold | National hold | Swing | N/A | |

### Florey

1979 South Australian state election: Florey :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Harold O'Neill | 7,679 | 49.1 | -17.9 |
| | Liberal | Lois Bell | 6,060 | 38.8 | +5.8 |
| | Democrats | Shylie Gilfillan | 1,885 | 12.1 | +12.1 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 15,624 | 94.4 | −2.2 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 928 | 5.6 | +2.2 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 16,552 | 93.2 | −0.1 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Harold O'Neill | 8,386 | 53.7 | -12.3 |
| | Liberal | Lois Bell | 7,238 | 46.3 | +12.3 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -12.3 | |

### Gilles

1979 South Australian state election: Gilles :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Jack Slater | 7,489 | 48.3 | -9.8 |
| | Liberal | Jodi Tabalotny | 6,005 | 38.7 | +8.2 |
| | Democrats | Eileen Farmer | 2,010 | 13.0 | +1.6 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 15,504 | 94.7 | −3.2 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 872 | 5.3 | +3.2 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 16,376 | 93.6 | −0.1 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Jack Slater | 8,589 | 55.4 | -7.2 |
| | Liberal | Jodi Tabalotny | 6,915 | 44.6 | +7.2 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -7.2 | |

### Glenelg

1979 South Australian state election: Glenelg :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | John Mathwin | 9,527 | 62.7 | +3.2 |
| | Labor | Maurice Hearn | 4,369 | 28.7 | -11.8 |
| | Democrats | Diana Harte | 1,302 | 8.6 | +8.6 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 15,198 | 96.8 | −0.9 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 499 | 3.2 | +0.9 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 15,697 | 92.0 | −0.8 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | John Mathwin | 10,218 | 67.2 | +7.7 |
| | Labor | Maurice Hearn | 4,980 | 32.8 | -7.7 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +7.7 | |

### Goyder

1979 South Australian state election: Goyder :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Keith Russack | 11,772 | 77.1 | +38.3 |
| | Labor | Roger Thomas | 3,495 | 22.9 | -0.6 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 15,267 | 96.1 | −2.5 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 621 | 3.9 | +2.5 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 15,888 | 94.1 | −0.6 |
| | Liberal gain from Independent Liberal | Liberal gain from Independent Liberal | Swing | N/A | |

### Hanson

1979 South Australian state election: Hanson :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Heini Becker | 9,459 | 60.8 | +5.4 |
| | Labor | Peter Rowe | 5,194 | 33.3 | -11.3 |
| | Democrats | Stanley Gilbie | 916 | 5.9 | +5.9 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 15,569 | 96.4 | −0.6 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 578 | 3.6 | +0.6 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 16,147 | 92.9 | 0.0 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Heini Becker | 10,044 | 64.5 | +9.0 |
| | Labor | Peter Rowe | 5,525 | 35.5 | -9.0 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +9.0 | |

### Hartley

1979 South Australian state election: Hartley :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Des Corcoran | 8,253 | 50.7 | -7.8 |
| | Liberal | David Parish | 6,669 | 41.0 | +3.8 |
| | Democrats | Geoffrey Brown | 1,351 | 8.3 | +8.3 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 16,273 | 94.2 | −2.6 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,005 | 5.8 | +2.6 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 17,278 | 93.4 | −2.6 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Des Corcoran | 8,959 | 55.1 | -5.3 |
| | Liberal | David Parish | 7,314 | 44.9 | +5.3 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -5.3 | |

### Henley Beach

1979 South Australian state election: Henley Beach :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Bob Randall | 7,244 | 44.5 | +3.8 |
| | Labor | Don Ferguson | 7,143 | 43.9 | -15.4 |
| | Democrats | Kenneth Maguire | 1,878 | 11.6 | +11.6 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 16,265 | 95.0 | −1.5 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 862 | 5.0 | +1.5 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 17,127 | 93.0 | −1.0 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Bob Randall | 8,289 | 51.0 | +10.3 |
| | Labor | Don Ferguson | 7,976 | 49.0 | -10.3 |
| | Liberal gain from Labor | Liberal gain from Labor | Swing | +10.3 | |

### Kavel

1979 South Australian state election: Kavel :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Roger Goldsworthy | 11,248 | 68.8 | +5.0 |
| | Labor | Sydney Tilmouth | 3,626 | 22.2 | -6.3 |
| | Democrats | Ivor Childs | 1,464 | 9.0 | +1.3 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 16,338 | 97.2 | −1.0 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 476 | 2.8 | +1.0 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 16,814 | 93.8 | −0.6 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Roger Goldsworthy | 12,143 | 74.3 | +5.6 |
| | Labor | Sydney Tilmouth | 4,195 | 25.7 | -5.6 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +5.6 | |

### Light

1979 South Australian state election: Light :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Bruce Eastick | 9,412 | 63.6 | +2.9 |
| | Labor | William Young | 4,392 | 29.7 | -9.6 |
| | Democrats | Barrie Tornquist | 999 | 6.7 | +6.7 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 14,803 | 96.6 | −1.0 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 520 | 3.4 | +1.0 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 15,323 | 94.3 | +0.6 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Bruce Eastick | 9,947 | 67.2 | +6.5 |
| | Labor | William Young | 4,856 | 32.8 | -6.5 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +6.5 | |

### Mallee

1979 South Australian state election: Mallee :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Peter Lewis | 6,488 | 45.9 | -14.6 |
| | National | Guy Wheal | 3,541 | 25.0 | +8.8 |
| | Labor | Dale Thiel | 2,526 | 17.9 | +1.7 |
| | Independent | Ronald Hentschke | 1,583 | 11.2 | +11.2 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 14,138 | 97.2 | −0.9 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 414 | 2.8 | +0.9 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 14,552 | 93.6 | −0.8 |
| Two-candidate-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Peter Lewis | 8,134 | 57.3 | -16.5 |
| | National | Guy Wheal | 6,004 | 42.7 | +42.7 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | N/A | |

### Mawson

1979 South Australian state election: Mawson :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Ivar Schmidt | 9,225 | 47.1 | +9.5 |
| | Labor | Leslie Drury | 8,082 | 41.3 | -10.5 |
| | Democrats | Jay McMerrick | 2,278 | 11.6 | +1.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 19,585 | 96.3 | −2.1 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 749 | 3.7 | +2.1 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 20,334 | 94.7 | −1.0 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Ivar Schmidt | 10,384 | 53.0 | +9.5 |
| | Labor | Leslie Drury | 9,201 | 47.0 | -9.5 |
| | Liberal gain from Labor | Liberal gain from Labor | Swing | +9.5 | |

### Mitcham

1979 South Australian state election: Mitcham :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Democrats | Robin Millhouse | 6,947 | 45.1 | +12.8 |
| | Liberal | Robert Worth | 5,750 | 37.3 | -4.5 |
| | Labor | Rosemary Crowley | 2,671 | 17.3 | -8.6 |
| | Australia | Ian Modistach | 41 | 0.3 | +0.3 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 15,409 | 98.1 | −0.9 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 290 | 1.9 | +0.9 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 15,699 | 93.5 | +0.5 |
| Two-candidate-preferred result ||||||
| | Democrats | Robin Millhouse | 8,426 | 54.7 | -1.8 |
| | Liberal | Robert Worth | 6,983 | 45.3 | +1.8 |
| | Democrats hold | Democrats hold | Swing | -1.8 | |

### Mitchell

1979 South Australian state election: Mitchell :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Ron Payne | 7,624 | 49.8 | -6.3 |
| | Liberal | Thomas Wallace | 5,975 | 39.0 | +7.4 |
| | Democrats | Kevin Whitby | 1,721 | 11.2 | +1.4 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 15,320 | 96.2 | −1.6 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 610 | 3.8 | +1.6 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 15,930 | 93.3 | −0.2 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Ron Payne | 8,321 | 54.3 | -7.1 |
| | Liberal | Thomas Wallace | 6,999 | 45.7 | +7.1 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -7.1 | |

### Morphett

1979 South Australian state election: Morphett :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | John Oswald | 7,959 | 51.8 | +7.8 |
| | Labor | Terry Groom | 6,497 | 42.3 | -5.2 |
| | Democrats | Elizabeth Topperwien | 910 | 5.9 | -2.6 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 15,366 | 96.7 | −1.3 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 525 | 3.3 | +1.3 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 15,891 | 93.7 | +0.5 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | John Oswald | 8,499 | 55.3 | +5.7 |
| | Labor | Terry Groom | 6,867 | 44.7 | -5.7 |
| | Liberal gain from Labor | Liberal gain from Labor | Swing | +5.7 | |

### Mount Gambier

1979 South Australian state election: Mount Gambier :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Harold Allison | 8,983 | 55.6 | +4.2 |
| | Labor | Graham Bath | 7,162 | 44.4 | -4.2 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 16,145 | 97.3 | −0.8 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 452 | 2.7 | +0.8 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 16,597 | 93.8 | −1.1 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +4.2 | |

### Murray

1979 South Australian state election: Murray :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | David Wotton | 10,180 | 62.8 | +30.8 |
| | Labor | Jack Pitcher | 5,137 | 31.7 | -4.2 |
| | Democrats | Gerhard Weissmann | 900 | 5.5 | +5.5 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 16,217 | 96.2 | −1.9 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 634 | 3.8 | +1.9 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 16,851 | 93.5 | −0.4 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | David Wotton | 10,693 | 65.9 | +5.9 |
| | Labor | Jack Pitcher | 5,524 | 34.1 | -5.9 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +5.9 | |

### Napier

1979 South Australian state election: Napier :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Terry Hemmings | 7,940 | 52.6 | -18.4 |
| | Liberal | Eric Bates | 4,682 | 31.0 | +2.0 |
| | Democrats | John Ferguson | 2,465 | 16.3 | +16.3 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 15,087 | 93.4 | −1.8 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,058 | 6.6 | +1.8 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 16,145 | 91.0 | −0.6 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Terry Hemmings | 8,976 | 59.5 | -11.5 |
| | Liberal | Eric Bates | 6,111 | 40.5 | +11.5 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -11.5 | |

### Newland

1979 South Australian state election: Newland :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Brian Billard | 9,661 | 50.3 | +17.4 |
| | Labor | John Klunder | 7,345 | 38.3 | -15.4 |
| | Democrats | Stephen Farrelly | 2,192 | 11.4 | -2.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 19,198 | 95.6 | −2.3 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 880 | 4.0 | +2.3 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 20,078 | 93.8 | −0.4 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Brian Billard | 10,765 | 55.9 | +15.7 |
| | Labor | John Klunder | 8,433 | 43.8 | -15.7 |
| | Liberal gain from Labor | Liberal gain from Labor | Swing | +15.7 | |

### Norwood

1979 South Australian state election: Norwood :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Greg Crafter | 6,921 | 47.0 | -13.2 |
| | Liberal | Frank Webster | 6,899 | 46.9 | +7.1 |
| | Democrats | Jeffrey Heath | 893 | 6.1 | +6.1 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 14,713 | 95.6 | −1.2 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 678 | 4.4 | +1.2 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 15,391 | 92.3 | +1.8 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Frank Webster | 7,373 | 50.1 | +10.3 |
| | Labor | Greg Crafter | 7,340 | 49.9 | -10.3 |
| | Liberal gain from Labor | Liberal gain from Labor | Swing | +10.3 | |
* One of the seats lost to the Liberals had been Don Dunstan's old seat of Norwood. However, in 1980, a court overturned Liberal Frank Webster's victory, triggering a by-election. Greg Crafter regained the seat for Labor, reducing the Liberal government to 24 seats, a one-seat majority.

### Peake

1979 South Australian state election: Peake :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Keith Plunkett | 8,319 | 57.8 | -9.6 |
| | Liberal | Marko Milosevic | 6,066 | 42.2 | +9.6 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 14,385 | 93.6 | −3.2 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 982 | 6.4 | +3.2 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 15,367 | 93.2 | +2.7 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -9.6 | |

### Playford

1979 South Australian state election: Playford :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Terry McRae | 7,524 | 46.9 | -13.7 |
| | Liberal | Neville Mitchell | 5,835 | 36.3 | +11.8 |
| | Democrats | John Longhurst | 2,691 | 16.8 | +3.1 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 16,050 | 93.7 | −3.4 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,077 | 6.3 | +3.4 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 17,127 | 93.4 | −0.5 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Terry McRae | 8,639 | 55.1 | -10.0 |
| | Liberal | Neville Mitchell | 7,211 | 44.9 | +10.0 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -10.0 | |

### Price

1979 South Australian state election: Price :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | George Whitten | 7,694 | 56.4 | -13.0 |
| | Liberal | David Beames | 4,448 | 32.6 | +2.0 |
| | Democrats | Robert Manhire | 1,507 | 11.0 | +11.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 13,649 | 92.6 | −3.0 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,092 | 7.4 | +3.0 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 14,741 | 92.8 | −0.4 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | George Whitten | 8,262 | 60.5 | -8.9 |
| | Liberal | David Beames | 5,387 | 39.5 | +8.9 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -8.9 | |

### Rocky River

1979 South Australian state election: Rocky River :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | John Olsen | 7,672 | 49.1 | -8.9 |
| | Labor | Denis Crisp | 5,299 | 34.0 | -4.8 |
| | National Country | Helen Tiller | 2,639 | 16.9 | +4.9 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 15,610 | 96.7 | −1.9 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 525 | 3.3 | +1.9 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 16,135 | 94.5 | −0.9 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | John Olsen | 9,849 | 63.1 | +4.9 |
| | Labor | Denis Crisp | 5,761 | 36.9 | -4.9 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +4.9 | |

### Ross Smith

1979 South Australian state election: Ross Smith :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | John Bannon | 8,997 | 64.6 | -7.6 |
| | Liberal | Ruth Squire | 3,746 | 26.9 | -0.9 |
| | Democrats | Margaret-Ann Williams | 1,179 | 8.5 | +8.5 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 13,922 | 93.5 | −2.7 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 961 | 6.5 | +2.7 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 14,883 | 92.8 | −1.4 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | John Bannon | 9,522 | 68.4 | -3.8 |
| | Liberal | Ruth Squire | 4,400 | 31.6 | +3.8 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -3.8 | |

### Salisbury

1979 South Australian state election: Salisbury :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Lynn Arnold | 10,840 | 60.8 | -8.7 |
| | Liberal | Derrick Rich | 6,996 | 39.2 | +8.7 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 17,836 | 93.0 | −2.0 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 1,336 | 7.0 | +2.0 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 19,172 | 93.3 | +0.1 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -8.7 | |

### Semaphore

1979 South Australian state election: Semaphore :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | George Apap | 5,778 | 35.9 | -34.9 |
| | Independent Labor | Norm Peterson | 5,106 | 31.7 | +31.7 |
| | Liberal | Mac Lawrie | 4,500 | 28.0 | +0.9 |
| | Democrats | Dean Richards | 715 | 4.4 | +4.4 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 16,099 | 94.4 | −2.7 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 957 | 5.6 | +2.7 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 17,056 | 94.6 | +1.4 |
| Two-candidate-preferred result ||||||
| | Independent Labor | Norm Peterson | 10,022 | 62.2 | +62.2 |
| | Labor | George Apap | 6,077 | 37.8 | -34.4 |
| | Independent Labor gain from Labor | Independent Labor gain from Labor | Swing | N/A | |

### Spence

1979 South Australian state election: Spence :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Roy Abbott | 9,502 | 70.2 | -7.1 |
| | Liberal | Barry Lewis | 4,027 | 29.8 | +7.1 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 13,529 | 93.6 | −2.1 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 932 | 6.4 | +2.1 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 14,461 | 92.8 | −0.3 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -7.1 | |

### Stuart

1979 South Australian state election: Stuart :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Gavin Keneally | 10,236 | 67.0 | -6.9 |
| | Liberal | Sydney Cheesman | 5,054 | 33.0 | +6.9 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 15,290 | 95.3 | −1.3 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 760 | 4.7 | +1.3 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 16,050 | 94.2 | +0.2 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -6.9 | |

### Todd

1979 South Australian state election: Todd :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Scott Ashenden | 8,478 | 49.8 | +6.3 |
| | Labor | Molly Byrne | 6,935 | 40.8 | -15.7 |
| | Democrats | Michael Reglar | 1,595 | 9.4 | +9.4 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 17,008 | 96.0 | −1.6 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 711 | 4.0 | +1.6 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 17,719 | 94.0 | −1.0 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Scott Ashenden | 9,287 | 54.6 | +11.1 |
| | Labor | Molly Byrne | 7,721 | 45.4 | -11.1 |
| | Liberal gain from Labor | Liberal gain from Labor | Swing | +11.1 | |

### Torrens

1979 South Australian state election: Torrens :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Michael Wilson | 8,186 | 56.0 | +5.5 |
| | Labor | Ralph Clarke | 5,113 | 35.0 | -11.2 |
| | Democrats | Stuart Brasted | 1,313 | 9.0 | +9.0 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 14,612 | 96.4 | −1.3 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 548 | 3.6 | +1.3 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 15,160 | 89.8 | −0.5 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Liberal | Michael Wilson | 8,777 | 60.1 | +7.6 |
| | Labor | Ralph Clarke | 5,835 | 39.9 | -7.6 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +7.6 | |

### Unley

1979 South Australian state election: Unley :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Gil Langley | 6,425 | 47.1 | -11.8 |
| | Liberal | Robert Nicholls | 5,908 | 43.4 | +5.4 |
| | Democrats | Albert Apponyi | 1,293 | 9.5 | +9.5 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 13,626 | 95.2 | −2.3 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 694 | 4.8 | +2.3 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 14,320 | 90.1 | −0.1 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Gil Langley | 7,119 | 52.3 | -7.8 |
| | Liberal | Robert Nicholls | 6,503 | 47.7 | +7.8 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -7.8 | |

### Victoria

1979 South Australian state election: Victoria :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Liberal | Allan Rodda | 9,476 | 68.0 | +2.7 |
| | Labor | Terry Roberts | 4,451 | 32.0 | -2.7 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 13,927 | 95.9 | −2.0 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 596 | 4.1 | +2.0 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 14,523 | 93.3 | −0.5 |
| | Liberal hold | Liberal hold | Swing | +2.7 | |

### Whyalla

1979 South Australian state election: Whyalla :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Labor | Max Brown | 9,173 | 63.7 | -9.5 |
| | Liberal | Vivienne Cruickshank | 4,296 | 29.8 | +3.0 |
| | Democrats | Ella Smith | 719 | 5.0 | +5.0 |
| | Independent | David Sims | 217 | 1.5 | +1.5 |
| Total formal votes | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 14,405 | 94.5 | −1.6 |
| Informal votes | Informal votes | Informal votes | 835 | 5.5 | +1.6 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 15,240 | 91.8 | −1.9 |
| Two-party-preferred result ||||||
| | Labor | Max Brown | 9,607 | 66.7 | -6.5 |
| | Liberal | Vivienne Cruickshank | 4,798 | 33.3 | +6.5 |
| | Labor hold | Labor hold | Swing | -6.5 | |