Labor Secures Historic Victory in South Australian Election
Labor has secured a historic victory in the South Australian election, despite a surge in support for One Nation that significantly weakened the Liberal Party’s performance across the state. This result marks a major shift in the political landscape, with Labor claiming 30 out of the 47 seats, while the Liberals managed only four. Thirteen seats remain undecided, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the final outcome.
Premier Peter Malinauskas acknowledged the significance of the win, stating that it is the best result his party has ever achieved. However, he emphasized that this victory should not be seen as an endorsement of his leadership. Instead, he described it as an opportunity to continue working hard for the next four years. “It’s an invitation to keep working out of our guts for the next four years,” he said.
According to the latest figures from the Electoral Commission, Labor received 37.8% of the vote, while One Nation captured 21.7%. The Liberal Party fell to third place with 19.1%, and the Greens secured 11.6% of the vote. This distribution highlights the growing influence of alternative parties and the shifting dynamics of voter preferences.
Liberal leader Ashton Hurn, who took over the role just 103 days before the election, expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about the future. “Now is the time to celebrate the Liberals, the future, because there’s hope for the Liberal future here in South Australia,” she said. She also emphasized that the voters’ decision was clear and that the party would continue to fight for its place in the political arena.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson hailed the election results as the beginning of a new chapter for South Australia and the nation as a whole. She expressed hope that the party could win three seats, including that of state leader Cory Bernardi in the upper house. However, the outcome of lower house seats remains uncertain due to complex preference deals that will determine the final results in several rural areas.
ABC election analyst Casey Briggs described the election as “the disintegration of the two-party system.” He called it a political earthquake, noting that SA Labor achieved its best result in the House of Assembly on record, while the right of politics experienced a significant disruption.
Ms. Hanson referred to One Nation elected members as “landmines,” suggesting that they are there to ensure good representation and government. “Don’t step on them because that’s what we’re here for,” she said.
Mr. Bernardi, on the other hand, described the election as an earthquake that rattled the foundations of uni-party politics in South Australia. He promised that One Nation would have the strongest voice in the state parliament ever.
In some constituencies, the Liberals slipped to fourth place behind Labor, One Nation, and the Greens. Former Liberal leader Vincent Tarzia lost his seat of Hartley to Labor’s Jenn Roberts. His predecessor, David Speirs, who was convicted of drug charges last year, failed in his bid as an independent to regain his seat of Black from Labor’s Alex Dighton.
Retiring Mawson MP and Speaker Leon Bignell praised the Labor Party’s success, noting that strong candidates had taken seats the party hadn’t held for a long time. He also highlighted the importance of not showing hubris and working hard for the people.
On the rise of One Nation, Mr. Bignell pointed out that many people were disillusioned, particularly with the Liberal Party. “It’s a reality that the Labor Party and the Liberal Party are going to have to deal with,” he said. He stressed the importance of listening to all voices, as every vote counts and everyone has a point of view.
