Thomas Playford (26 November 1837 – 19 April 1915) was an Australian politician who served two terms as Premier of South Australia (1887–1889; 1890–1892).

He subsequently entered federal politics, serving as a Senator for South Australia from 1901 to 1906 and as Minister for Defence from 1905 to 1907.

Born in Bethnal Green, London in 1837, Thomas Playford II[note 1] moved to Adelaide in 1844 with his parents the Rev.

During his premiership, his most important achievement was considered to be the implementation of the first systematic tariff system for South Australia.

[1][3][4] He regained East Torrens at the 1890 election and a few months later he formed his second government, again becoming Premier and Treasurer, and would again last for two years.

Charles Kingston brought together the various 'liberal' groups and was able to defeat the conservative John Downer government at the 1893 election with Labor support.