UPDATE: South Australia’s Premier Peter Malinauskas has launched a passionate campaign urging voters to reject “division and discord” as support for the controversial right-wing party, One Nation, continues to rise. With just one month until the state election on March 21, Malinauskas is framing the upcoming vote as critical for the future of politics in the region.
Speaking to a crowd of supporters in Adelaide on Sunday, Malinauskas emphasized a vision of optimism and opportunity. He highlighted major initiatives, including a $1 billion funding plan aimed at accelerating home building and revitalizing the state’s housing market, as well as investments in Australia’s future nuclear submarine industry.
The urgency of this message comes as a recent YouGov poll indicates a troubling shift in voter sentiment, showing One Nation at 22% of the primary vote, slightly ahead of the Liberal Party at just 20%. Meanwhile, Labor maintains a commanding lead with 59% to 41% over the opposition on a two-party preferred basis.
“On the ballot is the kind of politics we want in this state,” Malinauskas declared. “Do we want the politics of division driven by identity and tribalism, or do we want something else, the politics of optimism, the politics of ambition?” His call for unity resonates as the state grapples with rising tensions surrounding immigration and national sentiment.
The stakes are high for the Liberal Party, which faces a potential devastating loss, with projections suggesting they could secure as few as four out of 47 lower-house seats. This would represent a significant decrease from their already record-low 13 seats.
“The Malinauskas government has proven it is all talk and no action,” said Shadow Treasurer Ben Hood, criticizing Labor’s handling of pressing issues like hospital ramping and affordability for first-time home buyers.
In a bold move to tackle housing concerns, the Labor government announced a dual approach: $1 billion to expedite home-building initiatives, including $500 million specifically for land acquisition to fast-track developments. Additionally, they introduced a $70 million initiative to abolish stamp duty for residents aged 60 and older who downsize from larger family homes.
Malinauskas emphasized the significance of these measures, stating, “We’re going to build more homes at a pace we’ve never seen in the state’s history.” This initiative aims to provide immediate relief and create a more favorable housing landscape for South Australians.
The opposition’s new leader, Ashton Hurn, has also announced plans to offer a $15,000 stamp duty concession for over-55s looking to downsize, yet faces an uphill battle amid the current polling climate. Federal Liberal frontbencher James Paterson acknowledged the tough road ahead for the state’s opposition, attributing their challenges to “dire” polling and leadership changes.
As the election approaches, all eyes will be on South Australia as the battle between optimism and division unfolds, making this a critical moment for voters and politicians alike. Stay tuned for the latest developments as the campaign progresses.
