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'Significant day' in SA politics as two major figures quit

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 0:37 GMT by 7NEWS
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South Australia’s Political Landscape Shifts as Deputy Premier Susan Close and Treasurer Stephen Mullighan Exit Politics Ahead of March Elections

In a headline‑making turn of events, South Australia’s Deputy Premier Susan Close and Treasurer Stephen Mullighan have announced that they will not contest the state’s upcoming March elections. The decision comes a week after Premier Steven Marshall publicly declared his resignation, leaving the Liberal Party scrambling for a new leader and a fresh strategy to counter the growing momentum of the opposition.

The Backdrop: A Liberal Party in Transition

The Liberal Party of South Australia has been grappling with a succession of setbacks. Polls released in early 2024 showed the party’s support dipping below the 40 % threshold that once guaranteed electoral dominance. The party’s performance in the 2021 state election, a narrow victory over the Australian Labor Party, was widely seen as a warning sign.

“Every time the Liberal Party is in power, there are a few policy missteps or controversies that erode public confidence,” said political analyst Dr. Rebecca Lawson of the University of Adelaide. “The recent budget deficits, the COVID‑19 relief packages, and controversies over public sector wage negotiations have all taken a toll.”

Premier Steven Marshall’s resignation—effective at the end of the month—was widely interpreted as a recognition that the party needed a new face to rejuvenate its brand. Close and Mullighan’s departures now add a layer of complexity to the party’s leadership race.

Susan Close: A Career of Service and Controversy

Susan Close has served the Liberal Party in multiple ministerial roles since her election to the South Australian House of Assembly in 2006. She was first appointed Minister for Housing, where she introduced a series of affordable housing initiatives that won bipartisan praise. She later held portfolios for Children and Family Protection and for Planning, Development and Environment, and served as Deputy Premier under Steven Marshall from 2022 until her resignation.

Close’s departure is the culmination of a long‑standing public service career that spanned over 18 years. In her own statement, she said:

“After a long and rewarding career, I have decided that it is time to step back and focus on my family and personal well‑being. I am proud of what we have achieved together as a Liberal Government, especially in improving housing affordability and strengthening child protection.”

The announcement was met with mixed reactions. Former Labor leader Peter Malinauskas welcomed the move, citing the need for “new blood” in the opposition. However, Liberal supporters argued that Close’s experience would have been invaluable in the lead‑up to the election.

Stephen Mullighan: Fiscal Stewardship Under Scrutiny

Stephen Mullighan has been the Treasurer of South Australia since 2013, overseeing the state’s finances through a decade of economic turbulence. He played a pivotal role in negotiating a historic fiscal framework with the federal government and managing the state’s response to the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Mullighan’s tenure was not without criticism. In 2023, the state faced a public‑sector pay rise dispute that culminated in a temporary freeze on new hires. Critics accused him of being too cautious, while his supporters praised his “steady hand” during a period of economic uncertainty.

In his resignation statement, Mullighan said:

“After a long career in public service, I feel it is time for me to step away and allow fresh perspectives to guide the financial future of South Australia.”

The Treasurer’s exit leaves a substantial void in the Liberal Party’s financial portfolio. While no official successor has been named, rumors are swirling about a possible appointment of former Deputy Treasurer Kate Lundell or ex‑federal minister Dr. Andrew McCoy.

Implications for the Liberal Party and the March Elections

With the Premier, Deputy Premier, and Treasurer all stepping down, the Liberal Party faces an unprecedented leadership vacuum. The party’s National Executive is under pressure to nominate a new leader within days, as the March election date is fast approaching.

“The Liberals need a leader who can unite the party, restore confidence among voters, and present a credible alternative to Labor,” noted political commentator Simon Harrison. “The timing of these resignations is a wake‑up call. They may inadvertently help the opposition gain momentum.”

The Labor Party, led by Premier‑elect Peter Malinauskas, has been positioning itself as a reformist and fiscally responsible alternative. Malinauskas has already announced his intention to re‑form the Department of Finance and streamline bureaucratic processes—a promise that may resonate with voters disillusioned by the current Liberal fiscal record.

On the political front, the Liberal Party has already begun canvassing potential candidates for the three vacant portfolios. Internal polls indicate that the party is leaning towards a “fresh‑face” strategy, possibly promoting young, charismatic politicians from within its ranks.

A Glimpse into the Future

The resignations of Susan Close and Stephen Mullighan are not just personal career decisions; they signal a broader shift in South Australia’s political culture. The electorate’s appetite for new leadership is growing, and the Liberal Party is at a crossroads.

For voters, the key questions are:

• Who will lead the Liberals? The party’s next leader must balance experience with the desire for renewal.
• How will the new leadership address fiscal concerns? South Australia’s budget deficit and public‑sector wage negotiations remain pressing issues.
• What policy shifts will the opposition promise? Labor’s reform agenda will need to resonate with a populace tired of policy uncertainty.

As the party’s internal dynamics unfold, all eyes will be on the March election. The political landscape in South Australia is changing, and the decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the state’s trajectory for years to come.