Senator Alex Antic wins SA Liberals presidency amid party losses
Rightwing senator Alex Antic became South Australian Liberals president. He defeated upper house leader Nicola Centofanti 119 to 73.
Alex Antic is a controversial rightwing senator who won control of South Australia's Liberal Party over the weekend, defeating moderate rival Nicola Centofanti 119 to 73. Antic built his base by bringing evangelical and Pentecostal Christians into the party's everyday wing.
This group is called "Alex's Army". It gives him huge power over candidates and policy.
The timing raises immediate concerns. The SA Liberals have failed at both state and federal elections since Antic's rise.
A pollster called him a "vote-losing machine". Opposition leader Ashton Hurn is trying to rebuild the party.
She will now face constant pressure to defend Antic's views. These views concern vaccines, trans issues and climate change.
Antic says he will give party members "back some voice". Exactly how remains unclear.
- 119 to 73
- Vote margin over Centofanti
- 5
- Lower house seats after March election
Why it mattersA controversial figure has taken charge of an electoral disaster. This risks dragging a major party further into the margins.
AustraliaSouth Australian voters face an even sharper rightward tilt in the state Liberal Party, complicating any path back to power.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 d ago
