Stan Evans Explained

Stan Evans
Parliament1:South Australian
Term Start1:1988
Term End1:1993
Parliament2:South Australian
Majority2:10.2%
Term Start2:1985
Term End2:1993
Parliament3:South Australian
Majority3:11.8%
Predecessor3:New district
Term Start3:1970
Term End3:1985
Constituency Mp4:Onkaparinga
Parliament4:South Australian
Majority4:16.9%
Successor4:District abolished
Term Start4:1968
Term End4:1970
Birth Name:Stanley George Evans
Birth Date:14 July 1930
Birth Place:Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Death Place:Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Nationality:Australian
Spouse:Barbara Evans OAM
Party:Liberal Party of Australia
Occupation:Politician

Stanley George Evans (14 July 1930 – 29 November 2025) was a South Australian Liberal and Country League and Liberal politician, representing Onkaparinga from 1968 to 1970, Fisher from 1970 to 1985 and Davenport from 1985 to 1993.

Parliament

A 1983 electoral redistribution significantly altered Fisher, cutting Evans' majority from a safe 9.2 percent to a marginal 2.1 percent. Most of the strongly Liberal areas of the old Fisher were transferred to the safe Liberal seat of Davenport, prompting Evans to challenge fellow Liberal Dean Brown for preselection in Davenport. The ensuing preselection contest turned into a factional battle; Evans was from the conservative wing of the Liberal Party while Brown was from the moderate wing. Evans lost preselection for the 1985 election to Brown, but stood as an Independent Liberal and defeated him.[1] [2]

Evans nevertheless maintained his Liberal Party membership, because at that time the Liberals did not have a policy of expelling members who opposed endorsed candidates.[3]

He rejoined the Liberal partyroom shortly after the election, and stood in the 1989 election as the endorsed Liberal candidate for Davenport. He retired at the 1993 election.[4]

At age 88, Evans stood for local government election in the Ranges Ward of the Adelaide Hills Council in 2018, but was not one of the seven successful candidates from a field of 13.[5]

Personal life and death

Evans was married to Barbara Eva ‘Barb’ Evans from 1951 until both of their deaths in late 2025. They were married for 74 years. His son Iain Evans succeeded him as the member for Davenport, and held the seat from 1993 to 2014. Iain was also the state Liberal leader and Leader of the Opposition from 2006 to 2007.[6]

Evans died on 29 November 2025, at the age of 95.[7]

Honours and awards

"Outstanding contribution and support to cricket-tennis-Aussie Rules. 45 years administration"

"For service to Australian society through parliament"

"For service to the Parliament of South Australia"

Notes and References

  1. Moran . Brendan . June 1986 . Australian Political Chronicle: July–December 1985 . Australian Journal of Politics and History . 32 . 2 . 291, 293 . 0004-9522.
  2. News: 2004 . Old irritations play out in vote for Evans . . . 26 January 2010 .
  3. Robbins . Jane . June 1986 . Australian Political Chronicle: July–December 1986 . Australian Journal of Politics and History . 33 . 2 . 116 . 0004-9522.
  4. 2523. Stanley (Stan) George Evans OAM. yes. 15 November 2022.
  5. News: Stan's last stand? Controversial Lib veteran falls short in council bid . . 13 November 2018 . 13 November 2018 . Tom . Richardson.
  6. 563 . Hon Iain Frederick Evans . yes . 15 November 2022.
  7. News: SA Lib giant’s incredible legacy honoured after death . 2 December 2025 . The Advertiser.
  8. 978944 . 24 October 2000 . Mr Stanley George EVANS . Australian Sports Medal . 8 November 2023.
  9. 1126295 . 1 January 2001 . Mr Stanley George EVANS . Centenary Medal . 8 November 2023.
  10. 2003339 . 26 January 2019 . Mr Stanley George EVANS . Medal of the Order of Australia . 8 November 2023.