Labor announces Matthew Marozzi as candidate in seat of Morialta after John Gardner quits

A ministerial adviser and best mate of Liberal leader Vincent Tarzia will run as Labor’s candidate for the seat of Morialta at next year’s election.

Labor candidate for Morialta, Matthew Marozzi.

A ministerial adviser and best mate of Liberal leader Vincent Tarzia will run as Labor’s candidate for the seat of Morialta at next year’s election.

Matthew Marozzi will hope to win the seat – that covers the outer eastern suburbs and parts of the Adelaide Hills – being vacated by the outgoing John Gardner at the March 2026 state poll.

Mr Gardner, the former deputy Liberal Leader, announced in December he was stepping down from his leadership role and quitting state parliament at the next election.

Mr Marozzi, who ran for the same seat in 2022, is a senior adviser to the Tourism and Multicultural Affairs Minister, Zoe Bettison.

He has been lifelong friends with Mr Tarzia and was best man at the Liberal leader’s wedding.

They went to primary school together at St Joseph’s, Payneham, and played in junior football premierships at Payneham Norwood Union.

Labor candidate for Morialta, Matthew Marozzi.

Labor candidate Matthew Marozzi (left) with Liberal leader Vincent Tarzia as kids. Pic: Supplied.

“We met at kindergarten and have been friends ever since,’’ Mr Tarzia told The Advertiser in 2022.

At the 2022 election, Mr Marozzi secured an eight per cent swing towards Labor on a two-party preferred basis but lost narrowly to Mr Gardner.

He said he’s “deeply honoured” to have been given another opportunity.

“I put my hand up in 2022 and again today because I want the community to continue

to feel safe, secure and have the opportunities to better their families as they continue to work hard,” said Mr Marozzi, whose parents were migrants from Italy and the Philippines.

“These come from values that I saw first-hand at home and that drive me in life.”

Labor candidate for Morialta, Matthew Marozzi.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said Mr Marozzi was an “impressive candidate” with strong relationships in the community.

“Matthew is trusted for his counsel and advice within Government and a strong

advocate for his community,” he said.

“We know that Morialta is not a seat that can be taken for granted.

“However, an excellent candidate like Matthew Marozzi working with my Government

presents a unique opportunity to get things done.”