Leading Liberals warn removal of embattled MP Sam Duluk could herald return to party warfare
The SA Liberals risk returning to the bad old days if there’s a push to remove embattled MP Sam Duluk from the party, senior conservatives warn.
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Leading Liberal conservative figures are warning any bid to remove embattled MP Sam Duluk from the party could return it to the bad old days of open warfare.
Responding to revelations in The Advertiser yesterday that senior Liberals were canvassing options to remove Mr Duluk from their party room, senior figures from the Right of the party have warned the consequences could do more damage to the Premier Steven Marshall than Mr Duluk.
A senior Liberal MP told The Advertiser the revelations, that they said appeared to have been driven by moderates in the party, had caused serious frustrations.
“Steven Marshall’s great strength is that he has unified the party; it led him to Government,” the MP said.
“Continued backgrounding will lead to a return to the old ways and do more damage to the State Government than Sam Duluk.”
The Government is awaiting findings of an inquiry into allegations of Mr Duluk’s displaying drunk and inappropriate behaviour at a Parliament House Christmas party, and subsequent claims of sexual harassment, racial and homophobic comments. There are concerns within the party that conduct towards fellow Liberals on the night will also feature in the report, which expected next week.
In the wake of the claims, Mr Duluk resigned from his position as Economic Finance Committee chair.
However, it emerged this week he remains on the committee as a general member.
A senior Liberal told The Advertiser that Mr Duluk still has significant support among parliamentary and Liberal Party members.
“Having acknowledged his failings, Sam should be given every opportunity to rehabilitate himself,” the MP said.
“Everyone acknowledges that Sam has failed to meet the standards expected.
“(But) people are disappointed that some of his colleagues are seeking to throw Sam under the bus.
“This matter is clearly being kicked along by moderate sources that are more focused on their own internal positioning.”
Despite leading a unified team to the 2018 state election, Mr Marshall has faced some serious challenges during his first term.
A number of MPs crossed the floor over a controversial mining Bill that opponents said dudded farmers.
A land tax Bill also caused serious anguish both within the party and across the Liberal supporter base.
