Kevin Scarce

Rear Admiral Kevin John Scarce (born 4 May 1952) is a retired naval officer who served as the 34th governor of South Australia from 2007 to 2014.

Scarce was born in Toorak Gardens, South Australia, and grew up in Woomera and Elizabeth. Influenced by his father's work in weapons research, he joined the Royal Australian Navy at 15, training at HMAS Creswell and serving aboard HMAS Sydney during the Vietnam War. After further training in the United Kingdom, he held various naval appointments, including service on HMAS Melbourne and the development of the navy's first staff course. He later represented Australia in Washington, D.C., before earning master's degrees in management economics and national security strategy. Rising steadily through the ranks, Scarce commanded HMAS Cerberus, became a rear admiral in 1999, and served as Support Commander Australia – Navy and Head Maritime Systems, overseeing major operational and logistical functions until 2003.

Scarce was appointed governor of South Australia in May 2007 and sworn in that August, with Hieu Van Le as his deputy. Known for his support of an Australian republic and his active public engagement, he attended around 900 events a year and met figures such as Hillary Clinton and Prince Charles. His 2010 speech called for compassion toward asylum seekers. His term was extended twice before ending in September 2014, when Hieu succeeded him as governor.

After completing his term as governor in 2014, Scarce took on several leadership roles, including president of Novita Children's Services, chancellor of the University of Adelaide, and board member of Seeley International. He became a key advocate for exploring nuclear energy to support South Australia's economy and in 2015 led the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission, which recommended developing a state-run nuclear waste storage industry. Though the proposal was later dismissed, Scarce defended the value of open debate on nuclear policy. He also chaired the Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority and remained active in education and health causes, including the Cancer Council SA. Scarce resigned as chancellor in 2020 amid governance changes at the University of Adelaide, concluding a period marked by his strong involvement in state development and public policy.

In 2021, Scarce supported Australia's decision to switch to nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS, calling it a strategically sound move amid regional instability. He argued that the country should also explore nuclear energy as part of its long-term power strategy and develop domestic expertise in handling nuclear fuel and waste. In 2023, he was appointed chair of the Mount Gambier Education and Training Precinct, leading a $59 million project to strengthen regional education and industry links. Scarce later retired from his roles with the Coopers Foundation and the Operation Flinders Foundation in 2024.