Anne Ruston wins big in new-look Liberal shadow cabinet as dropped Tony Pasin vows to battle on for “conservative values”

SA women won top jobs in the new-look Liberal shadow cabinet while a dropped MP vows to battle on from the backbench.

As three of South Australia’s Liberal women win top jobs in the new-look federal shadow cabinet, dumped Barker MP Tony Pasin claims he will “be a fearless” advocate for conservative values from the backbench.

Mr Pasin lost his shadow minister for roads and road safety portfolio while fellow conservative Liberal senator Alex Antic was offered no leadership role.

Anne Ruston has won big in a new-look Liberal shadow cabinet. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The two jointly dominate the SA Liberal state executive.

“Free of the restrictions of being a member of the (federal) executive, I’m looking forward to participating in policy debate in a free and fearless way with a view of ensuring conservative values are represented in our policy framework,” Mr Pasin said.

Mr Pasin was a strong supporter of Angus Taylor who lost the Liberal leadership to Sussan Ley.

Meanwhile, SA Senator Anne Ruston not only kept her powerful Health and Aged Care roles alongside Sport in the shadow cabinet she had two new portfolios of Disability and the NDIS added to her workload.

Prior to the federal election Ms Ruston was knocked off the top SA Liberal senate ticket by Mr Antic despite being the third-most senior woman in the federal Liberal Party.

After coming in fourth on the senate election winners ballot – Ms Ruston also continues as Deputy Opposition Leader in the Senate.

Liberal Senator for SA Kerrynne Liddle has won a promotion. Picture Mark Brake

Sitting SA Senator Kerrynne Liddle also won a promotion to the inner shadow cabinet taking on the portfolios of Social Services and Indigenous Australians.

While Senator Leah Blyth was awarded shadow assistant minister job for Stronger Families and Stronger Communities.

“There is no doubt that we suffered a catastrophic result at the election, but I feel incredibly optimistic about the future of the Liberal Party and the Coalition under our new leadership team,” Ms Ruston said.

“Australians sent us a clear message at the last election, and we are listening.

“It is great to see South Australia, and particularly South Australian women, represented so strongly in our shadow ministerial team.

“The Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley has been clear that she wants to bring a fresh approach as we rebuild our party and harness the extraordinary breadth of talent and experience that we have in the party room.”

Newcomer Tom Venning is also headed to Canberra after winning the seat of Grey for the Liberal Party.

His uncle Ivan Venning held the state seat of Schubert for 17 years, his grandfather Howard Venning was a state MP for 11 years while his father Max Venning has been long active in agricultural politics.

SA's Liberal conservative powerbroker and top Senate pick Alex Antic (left) and conservative commentator and defeated Spence candidate Daniel Wild. Picture: Facebook

Hardworking SA Senator David Fawcett – a major contributor to defence policy – lost his spot in the federal senate after being in parliament for almost two decades.

Mr Antic was contacted for comment.

Originally published as Anne Ruston wins big in new-look Liberal shadow cabinet as dropped Tony Pasin vows to battle on for “conservative values”