Premier Peter Malinauskas’ Labor MPs put on state election war footing after Barossa Valley ‘love in’ of his caucus politicians

All the speculation might be around the federal poll but SA’s state leaders are showing signs that they’re also preparing for their date with the voters.

SA Liberal Leader Vincent Tarzia shakes hands with Premier Peter Malinauskas during the Black by-election at Woodend Primary School, Sheidow Park November 16, 2024 Picture: Brett Hartwig

South Australian Labor politicians have been placed on election war footing almost a year out from the next state poll as the Liberals look to exploit government “weakenesses”.

The state government’s 37 lower and upper house politicians met for a Barossa Valley caucus last week, during which MPs raised “ideas” and “potential campaigning opportunities”.

Labor’s 28 House of Assembly MPs – out of a 47 total – and nine Legislative Council members were “also encouraged to bring any examples of materials to share” with colleagues.

Peter Malinauskas will debate and Vincent Tarzia this Friday at a sold out Press Club event. Picture: NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

Sources said discussions at last Thursday’s Tanunda “seminar” centred on how to “capitalise on local campaigns” although specific commitments, including for road projects, were cautioned against.

Labor MPs have political concerns about a need to “tighten our belts” given election spending limits, which will mean fewer electoral material, they said.

Some Labor MPs fear certain electorates could be vulnerable to either a Greens or One Nation challenge as cost-of-living and law and order issues dominate campaigns.

In a statement on Sunday, Premier Peter Malinauskas said it had been a valuable gathering.

“At least once a year, the Labor team gets together offsite to discuss plans, opportunities and ideas for the future of our state,” he said.

“These are a valuable chance to get together outside of the daily business of government to ensure we are delivering policies that improve the lives of South Australians not just today, but for decades to come.

“We have an energetic, intelligent and united team and I look forward to the year ahead.”

Mr Malinauskas will debate opposition leader Vincent Tarzia at a sold out Press Club event on Friday 12 months before next year’s poll on March 21, 2026.

Premier Peter Malinauskas, Attorney General Kyam Maher, Treasurer of South Australia Stephen Mullighan and Police Commissioner Grant Stevens. Law and order is increasingly becoming a hot election issue. Picture: Supplied

Katrine Hildyard, the Minister for Child Protection Women, speaks to inmate Sarah during a visit to the Adelaide Womens Prison Visiting Centre in December last year. Picture: Mark Brake

Senior Liberal sources said the party will “look to focus in on the weakness of Labor’s frontbench” in coming weeks in particular Attorney-General Kyam Maher and Child Protection Minister Katrine Hildyard.

Many Liberals fear an election wipe-out next year after bruising Black and Dunstan by-election losses.

Mr Tarzia, who hosted a similar Mt Gambier “love in” in January, on Sunday said his party was “energised”.

“We are preselecting quality high calibre local candidates and will continue to release policies as part of an ambitious policy agenda,” he said.

“A year out from the election we are laser focused on presenting an alternative government that gets back to basics.”

He said SA was going backwards through energy crisis, drought, ramping and a failed hydrogen experiment costing taxpayers millions.

“Our South Australian communities are poorer, with less opportunities and are less safe,” he said.

Originally published as Premier Peter Malinauskas’ Labor MPs put on state election war footing after Barossa Valley ‘love in’ of his caucus politicians