SA Liberal leadership crisis deepens ahead of election

South Australia’s Liberal Party is in the midst of a leadership crisis just months out from the 2025 state election, with implications likely to ripple across regional communities including the South East.

Vincent Tarzia has stepped down as leader of the opposition, describing it as “the worst job in politics” after just a year in the role.

His resignation, confirmed last week, has further entrenched the SA Liberal leadership crisis, following the downfall of previous leader David Speirs and mounting speculation over internal party tensions.

“There’s a reason why they say it is the worst job in politics,” Mr Tarzia said.

“I want to make sure that I help and support the next leader of the Liberal Party going forward.”

Mr Tarzia said the role had become “very challenging and demanding”, particularly while raising two young children. He will continue to serve as the member for Hartley.

The move leaves the opposition without a clear path forward less than four months out from polling day. YouGov polling from June showed Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas held a 58-point lead as preferred premier, with the potential to reduce the Liberals to just two seats.

The SA Liberal leadership crisis follows similar upheavals in Victoria and New South Wales, suggesting a broader trend of instability across state-level opposition parties.

For voters in Mount Gambier and the wider Limestone Coast, the shake-up raises questions about regional policy priorities and whether the opposition can meaningfully campaign on issues affecting communities outside of Adelaide.

Speirs, who resigned in August 2024, later pleaded guilty to drug charges. His departure created the opening for Mr Tarzia’s short-lived leadership.

The Liberal Party has not yet announced who will lead it into the March election.