South Australia's Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia has stepped down from party leadership, just three months out from the next state election. He announced the decision at a press conference on Friday, saying it was a tough job but he leaves with no regrets and hopes to be re-elected in his seat of Hartley.
The resignation follows a briefing to shadow cabinet members last month about internal polling that suggested the Liberals could lose the majority of their 13 seats at the March 2026 election, with support bleeding to other parties including One Nation. Mr Tarzia is the fourth state and territory Liberal leader to leave the position in recent months.
Shadow health spokesperson Ashton Hurn, a first-term MP, has been touted as the most likely replacement. She thanked Mr Tarzia for his service and said she would speak with colleagues ahead of a party room meeting. Deputy leader Josh Teague ruled out running for the leadership and said a party room meeting would be held on Monday to decide the new leader.
Mr Tarzia said he was not bitter and felt calm and relaxed about his decision. He cited a desire to focus on his young family and local community. The party statement said the decision was made after careful reflection on balancing leadership, serving his electorate, and being present for his children.
