Daniel Wills: Premier Steven Marshall rewards loyalists in delicate reshuffle as old factional divides break down
The Premier has rewarded those loyal to him in the new Cabinet as old Liberal Party factions splinter, allowing Steven Marshall to shape it in his own image, writes Daniel Wills.
Opinion
Don't miss out on the headlines from Opinion. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- The three new Ministers in Cabinet reshuffle
- See the full Cabinet list here
- New Cabinet’s seven biggest challenges
Loyalists have been rewarded in Premier Steven Marshall’s reshuffle as he seeks to put the perks scandals behind him and reset the Cabinet’s focus on fighting COVID and the next election.
Many observers still have a quite outdated view of the internal politics of the Liberal Party, which is based on spectacular fights between old wets and dries in generations past.
It fails to understand the historic influence Mr Marshall has in the party, and breakdown of old loyalties.
He is the longest serving SA Liberal leader since Sir Thomas Playford, and the figure who dragged them out of exile and into the plush surrounds of power.
That has built up significant personal loyalties among MPs who were elected at the same time as him, or under his leadership in the 2014 and 2018 campaigns.
New transport minister Corey Wingard is one. He, like Mr Marshall, joined a party room that had been riven by division and seemed determined to leave it behind. He’s not factionally active, but is definitely a Marshall man. He’s just won a massive and challenging promotion.
Of the new ministers, Vincent Tarzia earned his spot with shoe leather. His defeat of Nick Xenophon at the 2018 election is like mythical legend in the party.
New agriculture minister David Basham is also said to be close to Mr Marshall, and Stephen Patterson has long been well-regarded by his leader for having an impressive CV that includes athletic, business and local government success.
Mr Marshall is moderate-backed, and doubtless that faction continues to hold sway at the top levels of government.
But the past year has also brought a dramatic splintering of the old dry faction into a conservative and so-called “centre right” group. There are significant personal animosities between them.
Then’s also people are who socially conservative, but not overly factional.
That has left the wider right of the Liberals lacking the critical mass and organisation needed to force advancement.
Which means that Mr Marshall, and the moderates that support him, can continue to shape the party in his image.