Leaked note reveals firebrand Senator Alex Antic warned state Liberal party of legal risks from flawed member databases

The SA Liberals are failing to keep accurate records of their financial backers, a leaked email claims, placing them at risk of legal action.

Senator Antic, a former lawyer, reported “numerous complaints” from different electorate chiefs concerned at administrative failings Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

South Australia’s Liberal Party has been forced to overhaul its administration amid concerns of the legal risks of alleged failures to accurately record ­details of financial backers.

A leaked email from firebrand senator Alex Antic warned state executive officials of “endemic inaccuracies” with flawed databases, record keeping and membership lists.

Senator Antic, a former lawyer, reported claims of “numerous complaints” from electorate chiefs concerned about the discrepencies.

These included names disappearing from membership lists, relatives not appearing on databases and “multiple instances of members dropping on and off lists without explanation”.

The party’s headquarters will “strengthen the system further” and introduce various new controls despite a subsequent audit finding the system sound.

His warning emerged as police continue to investigate a significant data breach of party members in federal electorates last year.

Senator Alex Antic refused to comment on his leaked email Picture: Monique Harmer

Eastern Adelaide CIB detectives are investigating the “sophisticated” deception of party officials through fake emails to obtain the confidential details of more than 2000 members.

While he is known in the party as litigious – he recently threatened legal action to a former Liberal staffer – Senator Antic warned the party faced legal action from disgruntled candidates if problems persisted.

In a note late last month to state party director Alex May – who has recused herself from federal preselection matters over her relationship with Sturt MP James Stevens – and the party’s state executive board, he criticised the lack of basic management.

“I have grave concerns that there are endemic inaccuracies in the current SA division membership lists,” wrote Senator Antic, who supporters say has led a membership crusade.

“I am equally concerned that there are many new members who have joined in good faith, paid their membership fees and not been recorded as members … therefore deprived of their constitutional rights to participate in party matters.

“These are serious matters for the reputation of the division.

“Inaccuracies … have the potential to lead to post AGM season disputes arising – including the potential for litigation.”

State Liberal party director Alex May (right) and partner, Sturt MP James Stevens. Picture: Facebook

Senator Antic, who recently won an apology from former federal Liberal adviser Hannah March over her disparaging social media comments, refused to comment.

Ms May this week told the executive how she “took the concerns seriously” and had instructed party treasurer Steve Russo to audit membership databases and financial records.

“In his opinion, the system has integrity and whilst some data entry errors have been identified, they fall within the acceptable margin of error,” Ms May wrote.

“Our data entry processes are manual and therefore will always be susceptible to a degree of human error.

“Whilst I am very pleased with the results, I am committed to continuous improvement and the treasurer has provided some excellent recommendations to strengthen the system further and to introduce various new controls.”

Ms May wrote that many issues had a “logical explanation” to why certain members were not recorded such as changes of addresses taking time to update in electoral records.

She would not comment on Friday.