The state election campaign officially commenced in South Australia on March 21, 2024, following the issuance of writs on Saturday. This election is drawing significant attention, particularly due to the rising popularity of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party. Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas and his deputy, Kyam Maher, visited Government House in Adelaide to kick off the campaign, with the party expected to secure a comfortable victory.
During the launch, Mr. Malinauskas highlighted his government’s economic achievements, claiming, “The economy, wages and housing are growing faster than anywhere else in the country.” He emphasized the importance of converting economic opportunities into improved living standards for South Australians. The Premier noted that while progress has been made, further work remains to be done.
Opposition Focuses on Health Issues
Opposition Leader Ashton Hurn used the first day of campaigning to announce initiatives aimed at enhancing regional health support. She proposed increasing the claims for overnight accommodation for those traveling for medical care from $44 to $110. The new policy would extend eligibility to patients residing more than 50 km away from their healthcare services. “We want families across the regions to attend important appointments with confidence,” Ms. Hurn stated.
Recent opinion polls indicate a potential “seismic shift” in South Australian politics. A YouGov-Advertiser poll and Newspoll suggest a significant lead for the Labor Party, with primary support at 44 percent. The polls also show One Nation capturing 24 percent of the votes, while the Liberal Party stands at just 14 percent. If these trends hold, the Liberals may struggle to maintain any of their 13 seats.
Political Landscape Shifts
Commenting on these developments, Flinders University public policy associate lecturer Josh Sunman remarked on the implications for both state and national politics. “We’re a test case to see if One Nation can break through,” he said, indicating that success for the party in this election could reshape the competitive dynamics of Australian politics.
As the campaign unfolds, Ms. Hurn, who has been in her leadership role for less than three months, acknowledged the impact of the polling results. “You don’t want to be like a flag in the breeze every single time a poll comes out,” she advised, stressing the need for a consistent strategy.
For the Labor Party, the election represents an opportunity to showcase their governance, while for the Liberals, the focus is on survival in what appears to be a challenging political environment. Mr. Sunman pointed out that for One Nation, the decision lies in whether to pursue bold policy commitments or adopt a more reserved approach during the campaign.
The upcoming election is not just a referendum on the current government but also a crucial moment for the evolving landscape of Australian politics, with implications that may extend beyond South Australia.
