Former Liberal leader David Speirs’ staff wiped as Vincent Tarzia shapes new office

A blistering internal war of words has been unleashed after David Speirs’ resignation, with the first of Vincent Tarzia’s new-look staffing list revealed.

David Speirs’ office of staffers has been cleaned out after his resignation, sparking another internal war of words as his newly installed replacement Vincent Tarzia begins shaping his inner circle.

Some Liberal insiders have claimed many within the party were left “bruised by Speirs’ lack of leadership” — but others say a number of staff chose to leave because they “refused to work for Vincent”.

Mr Speirs praised his outgoing employees and pushed back on claims there was unrest under his reign, saying his staff had “incredible stability” compared to other political offices.

The former leader’s resignation triggered an automatic redundancy for all staff in his office, who then have the opportunity to reapply for their position or leave with a payout.

It is understood a large number of the 10 full time staff in Mr Speirs’ command left their roles in what’s been described as a mass exodus — the reason for which has sparked contention among party members.

“The facts speak for themselves, my office had incredible stability compared to other political offices,” Mr Speirs said.

“Six of my staff had come from my ministerial office and several had been with me for more than five years, almost unheard of in politics.

“My staff are good people and I’m proud to call all of them my friends … it’s interesting that so many have decided to leave politics now I’m not leader. I’ll be keeping in touch with them all and hope to work with them in some way again in the future.”

David Speirs stepped down as Liberal leader in early August. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Newly appointed leader Vincent Tarzia has appointed a media stalwart and former candidate for Dunstant to his office. Picture: NewsWire/Ben Clark

However, one senior Liberal Party source said some staff members only learnt of Mr Speirs’ resignation when it was announced in the media.

They claimed some current staff had been lamenting under Mr Speirs’ leadership and “lost their passion for politics”.

“The office wasn’t functioning, that was really the nucleus of where the issues started,” they said.

“It’s not a shock there would be a huge clean-out, it means that Tarzia gets a clean slate and gets to choose his key staff.”

Another Liberal insider said they believed the office shake-up would be key to reinvigorating the party, with Mr Tarzia’s appointment creating “renewed hunger” among staff to win the 2026 state election.

“Morale is better than it’s been in a long time … the office is taking shape in quick time and there’s a focus that was lacking before,” they said.

However, other senior Liberals — and some former staffers — said many of those in Mr Speirs’ office believed Mr Tarzia was the wrong choice for leader.

Mr Speirs’ media advisers Ben Harvy and Elise Baker are among those that have left, both citing personal and family reasons for stepping away from their roles.

It is understood Mr Tarzia has yet to fill his new-look office, with five appointments in the 10 days since taking the top job.

New Liberal leader Vincent Tarzia in Paradise. Picture: Dean Martin

Taking up the communications role for Mr Tarzia is experienced media stalwart Lesley Johns, who recently worked as senior adviser to shadow child protection minister Kerrynne Liddle in federal parliament.

With decades of experience, Ms Johns has also held roles as CEO of Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation, producer and chief of staff at Channel 7 and Channel 9 Adelaide, as well as consulting in media, PR and communications.

Former Dunstan Liberal candidate Anna Finizio has been appointed to the position of Director of Policy and Stakeholder Engagement, a move insiders say is a boon for the new leader.

Ms Finizio has previously worked as a senior manager in the public policy sector and as the policy lawyer for the Law Society of SA.

“Anna is great on policy and she knows Vincent well, and having strong women in his office is a good sign,” one source said.

“They work together well and she’ll be a strong, positive influence.”

Mr Speirs, who now describes himself as a “Recovering former SA Liberal Leader” on his social media profiles, is expected to return to state parliament when it resumes on Tuesday after an eight week break.