South Australian election campaign kicks

off

March 2026 The election countdown has officially begun in South Australia, with both major parties launching their campaigns on the first day. The formal proceedings were set in motion after Lieutenant Governor Richard Harris issued the writs at Government House on Saturday, ending South Australia's 55th Parliament and placing the state government into caretaker mode. While day-to-day business continues under caretaker arrangements, major decisions or contracts that could bind an incoming government are put on hold. Premier Peter Malinauskas (pictured with Liberal Leader Ashton Hurn) kicked off the campaign with a focus on housing. Traveling by tram from Government House to the former West End Brewery site, he confirmed that property company Commercial & General had been selected as master developer for 1,000 new homes in Southwark. Mr Malinauskas emphasized a city-wide approach: “We don’t have a plan to do a bit of housing here and there, we have a plan to do housing everywhere,” aiming to provide more opportunities for young people quickly. On the start of the 28-day campaign, he admitted to mixed feelings: “I’m always a little bit nervous because it’s ultimately up to the people to decide, but I’m also confident in the plan.” Meanwhile, SA Liberal leader Ashton Hurn focused on regional healthcare. She outlined reforms to the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme, which subsidizes travel for regional patients. Ms Hurn pledged to increase the accommodation allowance from $44 to $110 per night and index it to inflation, aiming to remove the financial and logistical stress of accessing healthcare. “This is a total no-brainer that provides real relief for regional people,” she said, describing the campaign ahead as a chance to present a positive vision. Recent polls show the Liberals trailing, with One Nation overtaking them in primary support. A Newspoll in The Australian recorded Labor at 44 per cent, One Nation at 24 per cent, and the Liberals at 14 per cent. A YouGov poll in The Advertiser gave Labor 37 per cent, One Nation 22 per cent, and the Liberals 20 per cent, while the SA Greens held 12–13 per cent in both samples. One Nation lead candidate Cory Bernardi emphasized representing South Australians regardless of seat numbers, noting a strong mood for change and widespread dissatisfaction with both major parties. As the campaign unfolds over the next four weeks, both the premier and opposition leader have indicated that polling numbers will not define their strategy, keeping the focus on voters’ priorities rather than media snapshots.

Greek Tribune Adelaide, South Australia