Christopher John Kourakis was born on 17 June 1958.[1] He grew up in Port Lincoln as one of ten children[2] of Greek migrants Evangelos and Roxani Kourakis.[1] His parents originated from the Greek island of Ikaria.[3]
When the South Australian Government decided to cease appointing Queen's Counsel and the Chief Justice of South Australia began appointing Senior Counsel,Kourakis resigned his commission as Queen's Counsel to become Senior Counsel instead.[when?][citation needed]
In August 2022,he overturned a decision by the former Premier of South Australia,Steven Marshall,to allow for exploratory mining to go ahead on Lake Torrens,citing concerns that Kelaray's heritage plan and procedures would "substantially detract" from the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.[7][8] In May 2023,the Premier's decision was reinstated by the Court of Appeal of South Australia.[9]
On 11 November 2025 he submitted his resignation to the Governor of South Australia,announcing his intention to retire effective on 19 February 2026.[4] He is to be succeeded by Laura Stein,who will be the first woman in the role.[11]
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