Ashton Hurn takes SA Liberal leadership but inherits major policy challenge and leadership question

Fledgling Liberal leader Ashton Hurn has started the gig with a strong performance. But key questions remain, writes Paul Starick, with one in particular looming as a thorn in her side.

Ashton Hurn is a confident, decisive and eloquent leader who spelled out a clear framework for her Liberal leadership, on her first day in the new job.

But two key questions remain: Why is she leading the Liberal Party now, as a first-term MP, and how will she be different to Vincent Tarzia, particularly on policy?

Ms Hurn inadvertently added to this conundrum immediately after the Parliament House party room meeting that elected her unopposed.

Mr Tarzia, who quit on Friday as leader, had “done a fantastic job”, she said, appropriately thanking him for his service.

Asked later by The Advertiser if Mr Tarzia had done such a fantastic job, why she was the leader, Ms Hurn replied simply that he had resigned from the position on Friday.

This threadbare explanation for her taking the top job risks becoming an issue for Ms Hurn, particularly if any more evidence emerges of an organised, widespread push to oust Mr Tarzia to install her.

Ashton Hurn holds a press conference at Norwood after being elected state Liberal leader. Picture: Kelly Barnes

There will be no substantial policy switch under Ms Hurn, even if she is arguing that, as a fresh leader, she will take a fresh approach and review all policies with her shadow cabinet.

There simply is no time for a radically different approach, with little more than 100 days until the March 21 election. There might be some tinkering at the edges and greater clarity.

It is likely there will be some other key changes at the top.

Conservative Ben Hood has been flagged as shadow treasurer, replacing Flinders MP Sam Telfer, who is thought to be in some trouble defending his once-safe seat.

Four senior staff have already departed the Opposition Leader’s office since Mr Tarzia quit, but Ms Hurn says they will be replaced with experienced operators.

Ms Hurn was an accomplished netballer and her brother, Shannon, captained the West Coast Eagles to a last-gasp 2018 premiership victory.

Despite her attributes, the odds are stacked against her chances of an improbable 2026 election victory.

Originally published as Ashton Hurn takes SA Liberal leadership but inherits major policy challenge and leadership question