Ashton Hurn can’t distance herself from Liberal Party’s internal problems forever
The opposition leader says South Australians are not interested in the internal machinations of the Liberal Party. That does not mean they're not significant, writes state political reporter Thomas Kelsall.
Ashton Hurn, the Liberal leader of South Australia, insists that the public does not concern itself with the inner workings of her party, despite recent internal strife. At a fundraising event for the Hutt Street Centre, Hurn stated that none of the nearly 5,000 attendees wanted to discuss party politics. However, the upcoming weeks are crucial for the party's future, and the current internal battle may deal significant damage.
The Liberal Party is divided over the choice of a new state president, with conservative Senator Alex Antic leading the pack. Antic's potential influence on candidate selection and preselection processes has moderate party members worried. The Women's Council, which has leaned right over the past five years, endorsed Antic, giving his supporters confidence in his upcoming victory.
A recent meeting saw controversial anti-abortion advocate Joanna Howe speak alongside Antic, inciting anger from some moderates. Hurn has distanced herself from Antic's views but acknowledged the importance of the dispute, which overshadowed a successful week for the Liberal Party's parliamentary team.
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