[3] It is based on the semi-rural township of Gawler, and stretches southwards into the outermost northern suburbs of Adelaide.

Although growing urbanisation in recent years has resulted in Adelaide's growth spilling into Gawler, Light is classed as a rural electorate.

At the 2010 election he increased his margin against the statewide trend and decades of voting patterns in the seat, and became the first Labor member to be re-elected to Light.

His victory was one of two that allowed Labor to hold onto a narrow majority despite losing the two-party vote.

Other particularly notable members include Bruce Eastick, leader of the LCL/Liberals from 1972 to 1975 and Speaker of the South Australian House of Assembly during the Tonkin government.