‘Energised’: Ashton Hurn elected leader of South Australia’s Liberal Party
A first-term MP has been elected to lead South Australia’s opposition, just three months out from the state polls in March.
First-term MP Ashton Hurn has been elected South Australia’s new Liberal leader, just three months out from the state’s next election.
The frontbencher has become the third leader of the state Liberals after the party’s loss at polling booths in 2022.
She served as the opposition’s health spokeswoman under outgoing leader Vincent Tarzia.
In a press conference on Monday, the Schubert MP said there was “a lot of work to be done”.
“There is no doubt we have an absolute mountain to climb between now and next March,” Ms Hurn said.
“But my team and I are absolutely committed to making sure that we get to work for the people of South Australia, and that we provide them with a real choice for the next election.”
Ms Hurn said she and her team were “energised” and “focused” at the chance to lead the party into the March 21 poll.
She thanked Mr Tarzia for his “dedication and service” to the party.
Federal Liberal leader Sussan Ley congratulated Ms Hurn on her appointment.
“Ashton brings energy, focus and a determination to stand up for the people of her state at a time when they need it most,” the federal Opposition Leader said.
“Vincent Tarzia has made an enormous contribution to our Party and to South Australians, and I want to acknowledge his service and his commitment to his community.”
Ms Ley looked forward to working with Ms Hurn to “lift (the Liberal Party’s) national effort, strengthen our team across the country and offer South Australians a clear and credible alternative.”
The state leadership change comes after Mr Tarzia’s surprise resignation last week.
“There’s a reason why they say it’s the worst job in politics,” he said during a press conference on Friday.
“It’s been a very challenging role, demanding role, but it’s also been an absolute privilege, and I’ve done that role to the best of my ability, just like I’ve tried to in all the other roles. “Ultimately, everything comes to an end eventually.
“And for me, that moment was today.”
He rejected claims he was forced out of the job, saying he was “calm” and “relaxed” at the decision.
“I still, to this day, do not know who (reporters) are talking about when they say that people were out there trying to undermine me,” he said.
“I’ve seen no evidence of that.
“I can tell you right now, no delegation approached me.
“There was nothing of that sort that ever happened to make the decision.”
Ms Hurn’s election makes her the fourth new leader for a state Liberal Party in less than two months, after the ACT, Victoria, and NSW divisions elected new representatives in the top job in November.
In NSW, Kellie Sloane was elected after outgoing leader Mark Speakman reluctantly resigned.
Mr Speakman stepped down after a “number of colleagues had indicated to (him) their preference that (the party) have renewal and regeneration and a new leader”.
Just days earlier, Victorian Liberal Jess Wilson clinched the top job from former leader Brad Battin after he was ousted after a vote of no confidence.
It was the second change of leadership in less than 12 months for the Victorian Liberals.
A few weeks before Ms Wilson’s election, the ACT’s Mark Paton was elected as Liberal leader after Leanne Castley stepped down.
Ms Castley had led the Canberra Liberals for just one year.
Originally published as ‘Energised’: Ashton Hurn elected leader of South Australia’s Liberal Party
