SA Liberal Party state director Geoff Greene has resigned

LIBERAL Party state director Geoff Greene has resigned, effective immediately, and is expected to take up a role in the private sector.

LIBERAL Party state director Geoff Greene has resigned, effective immediately.

It follows unexpected losses by the party at last year’s state election and subsequent by-election in the seat of Fisher.

Mr Greene also oversaw the party’s campaigns for the 2013 federal election, won by the Coalition, and a state by-election in Davenport, where the Liberals retained the long-held seat.

Despite attracting some criticism for the losses, Mr Greene drew praise from Liberal Party state president Robert Lawson today.

In a statement released this afternoon, Mr Lawson said Mr Greene had increased the party’s representation at both state and federal levels.

“Geoffrey Greene ran an excellent federal election campaign and, while we were unable to

win the state election, led the party to its best result in 21 years, winning 53 per cent of the

statewide two-party preferred vote,” he said.

In the same statement, State Liberal leader Steven Marshall said Mr Greene’s contribution “leaves us in a far stronger position than when he arrived”.

“He leaves with our best wishes for his future in the private sector,” Mr Marshall said.

Mr Greene took up the role in December, 2012, and was formerly state director for the party in Queensland.

His deputy Matt Rowe is likely to step in as acting state director in the meantime.

The party will need to appoint a permanent replacement with campaign experience with enough time ahead of the 2016 federal election.

Mr Greene has been contacted for comment.