Independent MP Frank Pangallo considers switching to the Liberal Party

An SA Independent MP says he is considering switching to the state opposition at the next election to hold the “arrogant Malinauskas Government accountable”.

Independent MP Frank Pangallo says he is “weighing up” his options of potentially joining the SA Liberal Party at the next state election.

Currently away on an overseas trip, Mr Pangallo said he would make a decision upon his return to Adelaide, and that the Malinauskas government’s tackling of cost of living and ramping would be factors in his decision.

It comes after 7News Adelaide reported that the Independent MP was potentially the next “star recruit” for the state opposition to contest for the seat of Waite in March next year.

On Tuesday, Mr Pangallo also accused the state government of not being truthful about the state of the Algal Bloom crisis currently sweeping the state’s coastline.

“I am also gravely concerned at what’s happening to marine life in our gulfs,” he said.

Independent MLC Frank Pangallo is considering a switch to the SA Liberal Party. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“I intend to get to the bottom of it because I believe we’re not being told everything by the Malinauskas Government and the Environment Minister, Susan Close, and her department.

“I am considering a range of options that will give me the best opportunity to continue to serve all South Australians and help make this state reach its full potential, while keeping the arrogant Malinauskas Government accountable.”

Mr Pangallo, a former Adelaide journalist first began his career in politics in 2018 when he became a member of the SA-Best party, before resigning from the role in 2023 to run as an independent.

He said the cost of living was “hurting tens of thousands of families”, and that the housing crisis was not giving younger people “genuine hope” of ever owning thor own home.

The state Liberal Party did not confirm whether they were actively trying to recruit Mr Pangallo. Picture: Brenton Edwards

SA Liberal Party state director, Alex Hyde did not confirm if the opposition was considering recruiting Mr Pangallo, but said the Party was open to people who shared the same values.

“The Liberal Party preselection process is grassroots-led, competitive, and confidential until candidates are confirmed,” he said.

“We don’t operate through whispers and backroom stitch-ups.

“Our Party is open to those who share our centre-right values and want to see a strong opposition that holds this underperforming Labor Government to account.

“This contrasts with the Labor Party, which is a closed-shop dominated by backroom deals, such as that which ousted Labor-defector Ryan Harrison.”

A government spokesperson suggested the idea of Mr Pangallo joining the Liberals was indicative of the party’s troubles.

“It says everything about the shambles that is the SA Liberal Party that their best candidate for a marginal seat is Frank Pangallo.”

Originally published as Independent MP Frank Pangallo considers switching to the Liberal Party