The South Australian Premier has opened the Labor Party's official state election campaign with a pointed critique of the Opposition's gender representation, setting the tone for a battle that will culminate at the polls in 2026.
Campaign Launch Sees Premier Swing at Liberal Ranks
Officially launching his party's bid for another term, the Premier used his platform to deride the number of women within the Liberal Party's parliamentary ranks. This strategic opening salvo immediately frames the election as a contest of modern values and representation. The campaign launch event, held on Sunday, saw a strong showing from Labor's own female MPs, underscoring the party's contrasting narrative.
Fronting the crowd were retiring MP Susan Close, alongside colleagues Andrea Michaels and Katrine Hilyard. These three politicians are part of a cohort of 15 women currently representing the Labor Party in the South Australian parliament, a figure the Premier is keen to contrast with the Opposition's numbers.
The 2026 Question: A Parliament Dominated by Women?
As the campaign begins in earnest, analysis is turning to whether the 2026 election could result in a historic shift, with women potentially dominating the next parliament. This question sits at the heart of the Premier's early rhetoric and reflects a broader national conversation about gender parity in politics.
The focus on representation extends to individual seats coming into play. With the announced retirement of the current Speaker, Leon Bignell, a contest is now underway for his old seat. The preselection battle will be a key indicator of party priorities and could influence the final composition of candidates vying for South Australian votes in 2026.
Setting the Stage for a Long Campaign
The Premier's decision to lead with the issue of women's representation is a calculated move, designed to define the Liberals early in a long campaign. By highlighting the numerical disparity, Labor aims to appeal to voters who prioritise diversity and modern governance.
The events of Sunday, January 5, 2026, mark the formal start of what promises to be a closely watched state election. With the Premier's criticism now on the record, the pressure is on the Liberal Party to respond with its own policy platform and candidate list, which will be scrutinised for its commitment to gender balance. The journey to March 2026 has well and truly begun, with the battle lines drawn around representation and renewal.
