Tarzia confident of taking on Malinauskas

The South Australian Liberal Party has entered a new era under the leadership of Vincent Tarzia, who won the party room vote on Monday, defeating Shadow Attorney-General Josh Teague.

The role was vacated by David Speirs, who called time on the top job last Friday.

Vincent Tarzia was elected as new Leader of the Opposition with 18 votes and John Gardner, who was a late withdrawal from the leadership ballot, is remaining as Deputy Leader of the Opposition.

New Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia, said he feels privileged to be elected by his colleagues.

“The Liberal Party will move quickly now in a new and exciting direction while continuing to hold the Malinauskas Labor Government to account,” Mr Tarzia said.

“I am honoured to have the support of my colleagues as I take on this crucial responsibility to take the Liberal Party forward.

“The Liberal Party is committed to showing South Australians that we are a strong, effective, and reliable alternate government ahead of the 2026 State Election.

“We can’t forget that Peter Malinauskas and Labor committed the biggest electoral fraud in state history by promising South Australians they would ‘fix ramping’.

“We know South Australians are struggling to make ends meet because of enormous cost of living pressures – and every time Peter Malinauskas opens his mouth the situation gets even worse for those already battling.

“Peter Malinauskas promised the world before he was elected, but the reality is the typical South Australian family is more than $20,000 worse off and Labor and the Premier have no plan for cost of living relief.

“This is a new era for the Liberal Party and I will work my hardest to lead us to success at the 2026 State Election because I truly believe we can win.

“Lastly I would like to thank David Speirs for his efforts over the past two years – it is important to acknowledge he has been a warrior for the Liberal Party.”

Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell acknowledged the tenure of Mr Speirs.

“I want to extend my gratitude to David Speirs for his dedicated service as the leader of the Liberal Party, in particular for consistently making the effort to visit our region throughout his leadership,” Mr Bell said.

“The more time leaders from both the Government and the opposition spend in our regions, the better the outcomes for our communities. David set a strong example in this regard.

“A strong opposition is essential to holding the Government accountable, and as South Australians, particularly Regional South Australians we need a strong opposition contesting the next election in 18 months’ time.”

David Speirs statement:

Today I have advised my Parliamentary colleagues that I have decided to step down as the Leader of the South Australian Liberal Party. This has not been an easy decision, however I believe it is in my best interests and that of my family.

I have used the mid-winter break to reflect on my priorities and to speak with family and friends at length about my future. Ultimately, I want to spend more quality time with them and the demands of the role as Leader makes this difficult.

With just over 18 months until the next State Election, I feel now is the right time to depart from the role and give the next Leader the best possible opportunity to succeed in 2026.

I am proud of what I have achieved as Leader of the Liberal Party, and I have led a team that has rebuilt following the devastating 2022 State Election loss. This has included reconnecting with regional South Australians, those in the suburbs, and working closely with communities and industry groups to support strong policy development, on track to be announced well ahead of 2026.

To be able to go from an overseas migrant who settled in the southern suburbs of Adelaide as a teenager, to become the Leader of the South Australian Liberal Party, is something I am immensely proud of, and highlights the incredible opportunities available to all South Australians in this remarkable state.

South Australians are doing it tough right now and they deserve a better State Government that will put them first. I look forward to playing my part in supporting the next Leader of the Liberal Party in offering a fresh and strong alternative government to the people of South Australia.

It has been an absolute privilege and honour to be the Leader of the South Australian Liberal Party. I have given it my all and I look forward to continuing to serve the people in my electorate of Black, in the southern suburbs.