Opposition Leader Steven Marshall unveils party manifesto for the 2018 state election and beyond

OPPOSITION Leader Steven Marshall has released a 20-year manifesto for his party and the state, focused on nine main policy areas where he says SA should aim to be a national leader.

OPPOSITION Leader Steven Marshall has released a 20-year manifesto for his party and the state, focused on nine main policy areas where he says SA should aim to be a national leader.

The Liberals’ “manifesto” has been unveiled today to mark the halfway point in the electoral cycle, with two years remaining until SA voters next go to the polls in March 2018.

The plan outlines “what we believe” in each area and “how we will achieve this together”.

On the economy, it pledges to reduce taxes and cut red tape, as well as invest in exports.

It says the state can achieve “the best education system in Australia” by returning more authority to parents and principals, “embracing innovation” and increasing teacher training.

Mr Marshall says “world-class, accessible and effective” health care can be achieved by decentralising the control of services and “reducing waste and bureaucracy”.

The plan echoes an earlier commitment for independent evaluation of infrastructure investments, restating that “productive” investments must be made to support economic growth.

It rejects the amalgamation of emergency services, saying “each agency has its own identity and structure” and should remain autonomous to focus on delivering effective services.

A “scientifically-based, evidence” approach is promised on the environment, an area where Mr Marshall says policy has been “driven by outdated and philosophically driven agendas”.

South Australian Opposition Leader Steven Marshall (right) and South Australian Deputy Leader of the Opposition Vickie Chapman. Picture: AAP Image/Ben Macmahon

The plan prioritises a focus on developing the arts and culture by “supporting our communities and grassroots organisations, assisting them to build capacity”.

It describes the public service as “one of our state’s greatest assets” and commits to keeping the State Budget in structural balance and reducing debt “over the long-term”.

The document is likely to draw criticism from Labor for lacking costed policies. The Liberals made a similar announcement before the last state election in 2014, when Mr Marshall went to Mt Lofty saying that he intended to develop a plan for the state in its bicentenary year.

Liberals say this plan is intended as a broad statement of direction, with more detailed and specific policies to be rolled out in the two years remaining until election day.

In a forward to the 80-page manifesto, Mr Marshall says “we have much to be proud of and

grateful for, but I think most South Australians feel things could be a lot better”.

“Where we once led the nation, we now follow,” he says. “We need to reclaim our greatness.

“2036 is more than just a date, it’s a destination. A destination of hope and prosperity for South

Australians, where we can have the life we want in the state we love.

“In the lead up to the state election we will deliver a clear, consultative and responsible pathway to recovery and success. “This is the first step in our plan for a better South Australia.”