South Australian MP Ashton Hurn has been chosen as the new SA Liberal Party leader, only three months before the March 2026 state election, after Vincent Tarzia stepped down from the role on Friday.
Hurn Elected With Full Support
Ashton Hurn confirmed she was elected unopposed during a party meeting on Monday. She becomes only the second woman to lead the SA Liberal Party.
Liberal MPs met on Monday and voted unanimously for Ashton Hurn
She said her colleagues supported her fully and thanked Vincent Tarzia for his effort and service. Tarzia said he made the decision to step down with his family and was not pushed out.
A Tight Countdown to the Election
Hurn said there is a lot of work ahead with just 103 days until the state votes. She said the party must move fast to show voters a clear choice for the March 21 election.
She added that her team encouraged her to take on the role and that she wants to reconnect with communities across South Australia during the campaign.
Key Issues the Party Will Focus On
Hurn said health and community safety will be major topics in the coming campaign. She said the party will offer plans to lower costs, support patients, and improve hospital services.
Health services are expected to be a major issue during the 2026 campaign
She also said the party wants to address concerns about crime and safety. She promised that voters will hear more about these plans over the next few weeks.
Shadow Cabinet Changes Expected Soon
Hurn said she will look at the shadow cabinet line-up in the coming days. She wants some stability, but also said new roles may be needed before the election.
Hurn will review the shadow cabinet as the party prepares for the March poll
She explained that the team must be prepared to present a clear and organised plan for the state. Names will be announced after she finishes reviewing the positions.
Support From Federal Liberal Figures
Federal Liberal leader Sussan Ley congratulated Hurn on becoming leader. Ley said Hurn brings energy and focus and will stand up for South Australians.
Ley also thanked Vincent Tarzia for his work, saying he had served his community well. Tarzia told reporters he was calm about his decision and said he was not forced out by anyone.
Another Leadership Change in the Liberal Party
Hurn’s election adds to several recent leadership changes in other Liberal branches. New leaders were also chosen in the ACT, Victoria, and New South Wales over the past month.
These changes came after calls for a fresh direction in several states. Some former leaders stepped aside, while others lost internal support.
Public Reaction to the Announcement
ABC reporter Casey Briggs noted on social media that Hurn’s win is part of a wider pattern of new leaders across the states. His post also pointed out that three of the new leaders are first-term women MPs.
Ashton Hurn has been elected leader of the SA Liberals to lead the party to the state election in just 103 days.
This is the fourth state or territory leadership change in the past month, and three of the new leaders are first-term woman MPs https://t.co/c8wy3k6Tq3
— casey briggs (@CaseyBriggs) December 7, 2025
The message drew attention as many people discussed how the party is shifting as different states prepare for elections.
Also Read: Transurban Completes US$118.5m Bond Tender as 2025 Refinancing Advances
Hurn Outlines Early Plans for Her Leadership
Hurn said the SA Liberal Party will repeal the state’s Voice to Parliament if it wins the 2026 election. She said the policy will be part of the issues the party takes to voters.
She said she will meet with communities and continue shaping the party’s platform. Her goal is to make sure voters understand the choices they have when they go to the polls in March.
FAQs About the SA Liberal Party New Leader 2026
- Who is the new leader of the SA Liberal Party?
Ashton Hurn is the new leader of the SA Liberal Party. She was chosen by her colleagues to guide the party into the March 2026 state election.
- When was Ashton Hurn elected as leader?
She was elected on Monday, 8 December 2025, after the party held a meeting to confirm the leadership.
- Was Ashton Hurn elected unopposed?
Yes. She was elected unopposed and won full support from every MP in the party room.
- Which seat does Ashton Hurn represent?
She represents the seat of Schubert in the South Australian Parliament.
- What role did Ashton Hurn hold before becoming leader?
Before taking the top job, she served as the opposition’s health spokesperson.
- Why did Vincent Tarzia step down as leader?
Vincent Tarzia said the job was demanding and that he wanted more time for his family and electorate. He said he stepped down on his own and was not forced out.
- How long is it until the state election?
There are about 103 days between her election as leader and the March 21, 2026 state poll.
- What challenges does Hurn say the party faces?
She said the party has a “mountain to climb” and must work hard to give voters a clear choice before March.
- What issues will the SA Liberal Party focus on during the campaign?
The party plans to focus on cost of living, health services, and community safety.
- Will Ashton Hurn make changes to the shadow cabinet?
She said she will review the shadow cabinet soon. Some roles may stay the same, and some may change.
- What did federal Liberal leader Sussan Ley say about Hurn?
Sussan Ley congratulated her and said Hurn brings strong energy and focus to the role.
