Rex Jory: Moving Premier Peter Malinauskas to Canberra a natural evolution

Leaving Premier Peter Malinauskas in state politics is like playing Patrick Dangerfield in the Geelong seconds team, writes Rex Jory.

Political history can often turn on one momentous moment. A scandal, a death, a resignation, a party-room coup.

But it can sometimes be influenced by an apparently innocuous gesture. A fleeting, almost imperceptible, moment.

Was the decision by Premier Peter Malinauskas to leave state parliament on September 7 and fly to Canberra to attend the Midwinter Ball at Parliament House one such moment?

The answer may lie in the leaves of a future cup of tea not yet brewed.

But one Labor supporter suggested Mr Malinauskas’s rushed trip to attend the ball was a deliberate move to push his name forward at a federal level.

“He wants to develop a profile in case he one day decides to switch from state politics to federal politics,” he said.

Another Labor man was more sceptical: “I wouldn’t read anything into it,” he said.

“Peter wouldn’t even be considering a federal move until after the next state election and that’s not until 2026.

“Even then he’s expressed no ambition to enter federal politics. His focus is SA.”

The state opposition branded Mr Malinauskas’s Canberra trip arrogant. Deputy Opposition Leader John Gardner said the public had a right to be disappointed, adding: “It really does raise some questions about the Premier’s priorities.”

It was, of course, the opposition’s responsibility to blow the whistle on the Premier. But, as political sins go, if it was a sin at all, it was trifling.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth MP , Premier Peter Malinauskas and Deputy PM and Minister of Defence Richard Marles arriving at the Midwinter Ball at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

At the same time, it is fair to speculate that Mr Malinauskas did not attend the Midwinter Ball because he fancies a waltz, foxtrot or tango. He was, from all reports, the only state premier at the ball. He was the guest of Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.

Mr Marles has the power to open many doors and arrange many introductions and meetings in Canberra, while Labor is in power.

But he’s not going to waste his time and energy for nothing. There must have been something in it for the state and federal governments and for the Labor Party.

Was this invitation the first quick step to wooing Mr Malinauskas to consider one day seeking a seat in the federal parliament?

In politics things can change, but on current evidence, Labor under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will go into the 2025 federal election as clear favourites.

Since the May election, Labor has barely put a foot wrong. But if it wins the election, the next Labor government will need to refresh and enhance its parliamentary team, particularly its frontbench.

Members will retire or step down from responsible office and Mr Albanese himself will want new blood in the caucus. Mr Malinauskas is an obvious choice. He is young, attractive, articulate and electorally popular. On current evidence, it is hard to see Labor losing the next state election in 2026.

What then for Mr Malinauskas? Another four years as Premier? Another election in 2030?

Mr Malinauskas is emerging as a once-in-a-decade political talent.

For Labor, which has a solid frontbench of talent in South Australia, leaving him in state politics is like playing Patrick Dangerfield in the Geelong seconds team.

He’d be good, but hardly fulfilling his potential.

Perhaps, just perhaps, Mr Marles and other Labor leaders have already recognised Mr Malinauskas’s capacity and potential. You can almost hear Mr Marles saying: “Hey, Mali. Come on over and catch up with a few of the team. Have a chat with Albo.

“Meet some of the press gallery. Get a feel for Canberra and federal politics on a night when everyone is relaxed and has time to spare.”

Mr Malinauskas would, of course, deny there was any connection between his Midwinter Ball appearance and a move into federal politics. His sole priority, he would say, was an SA Labor victory in 2026.

But Mr Malinauskas wouldn’t want to make the mistake Don Dunstan made and delay exploring his federal ambitions.

The seat of Adelaide, currently held by the competent Steve Georganas, would be a natural fit.

When he was challenged by the opposition for leaving parliament early to attend the ball he said: “My judgment was that (it) was a good opportunity and I’m not going to be a Premier that misses an opportunity.”

It would be ironic if that opportunity was part of a plan to eventually hand over the baton of premier and seek new political pastures in Canberra.