SA Liberal Party director Sascha Meldrum quits — but says her decision was not linked to the party’s election defeats

A key architect of the SA Liberals’ dismal 2022 state election campaign has resigned – but says her decision was not linked to the party’s resounding defeat.

A key architect of the SA Liberals’ dismal 2022 state election campaign has resigned – but says her decision was not linked to the party’s resounding defeat.

In a message to members, state director Sascha Meldrum said it had always been her intention to finish after this year’s state and federal elections.

“It has been great to be part of some fantastic election wins, boundary redistribution wins and preselection contests,” she said on Monday.

“This year has been challenging on the back of Covid, but I know that when we work together as a party with an active volunteer blue army, we achieve a lot.

“As I re-enter the private sector, I will do so with a proud sense of belonging and will provide ongoing loyalty and support to the Liberal cause.”

Resigning SA Liberal Party state director Sascha Meldrum. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

A former journalist, Ms Meldrum is a 25-year veteran of political advisory and communication roles.

She worked for former Liberal premiers John Olsen and Rob Kerin before becoming principal media adviser for the then-defence minister Robert Hill in the Howard government. She also worked as public affairs director to the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) program.

Before the recent losses, she helped deliver three election victories for the Liberals – two federal and the long-awaited state win in 2018.

SA Liberal president Legh Davis said a recruitment process was now under way to find a replacement.

“The party is now recruiting for a new state director with similar strong management credentials to be campaign director working closely with the party’s leadership team,” he said.

“The role manages the party’s legal and compliance requirements, as party agent and authorising officer.”

He said state director was a “very important role” within the party, and paid tribute to Ms Meldrum for her work on five election campaigns.

“Sascha has offered the party strength in leadership, professionalism, campaigning, financial certainty and strategic thinking since taking the reins in 2015,” he said.