View from The Hill: Hard-right Alex Antic in strong position to become SA Liberal president

The South Australian Liberal Party finds itself in turmoil amid the ambitious campaign of Senator Alex Antic to become the state president. This development comes alongside a fierce contest for the party's Senate preselections, with three incumbent senators - Leah Blyth, Andrew McLachlan, and Kerrynne Liddle - vying for their positions in the 2028 election. Currently, the field is expected to narrow to either one or two survivors.

Leah Blyth, the current state president, is at odds with Antic's supporters, who were instrumental in her swearing-in following a vacancy. Antic's group had expected her to vote against anti-hate legislation, as he himself did, but she merely abstained from the vote. This discord between Blyth and Antic has roots in their disagreement over the government's response to anti-hate legislation.

The right-wing faction of the party has been engaged in a bitter power struggle with the moderate faction, with the latter weakened by the recent departures of prominent leaders. The annual general meeting, scheduled to elect the president, was postponed due to administrative reasons but is now set for September 19. Nominations for the presidency close on August 28, and the position holds a position on the party's federal executive.

Antic's ties to One Nation, a right-wing political party, have raised concerns that he might defect to that party, further complicating the Liberal Party's internal dynamics. Despite these challenges, Antic remains committed to the party for now, stating he has no intention of leaving but has not ruled out future moves. His ascent to the presidency could potentially curb the conservative branch's migration to One Nation.