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

Alex Antic, a hard-right senator known for his controversial stances, appears poised to assume the leadership of the South Australian Liberal Party, according to internal party dynamics and emerging tensions within its ranks. The race for the state presidency has intensified as the party faces mounting challenges, including a potential reshaping of its Senate ticket ahead of the 2028 federal election. With only two of 11 upper house seats secured in the April state election, the Liberal Party finds itself under pressure from rising political forces such as One Nation, which is gaining traction in the region. The current state president, Leah Blyth, is among three senators vying for re-election, alongside Andrew McLachlan and Kerrynne Liddle. However, the likelihood of more than one or two securing positions on the Senate ticket is slim, setting the stage for a fierce internal struggle for the top spot. This tension has deepened following disputes over the party's stance on the government's anti-hate legislation. Blyth, who was sworn in earlier this year, had been expected to align with Antic and support his decision to oppose the legislation by abstaining from voting. Instead, she chose to remain absent from the chamber, while other SA Liberal senators, including Deputy Senate Leader Anne Ruston, supported the bill. This divergence has sparked friction within the party, particularly between Blyth and Antic's faction. Concerns have also arisen regarding the behavior of Antic's close associate, Dom Gelonese, further complicating the already fraught political landscape. The South Australian Liberal Division has long been divided between conservative and moderate wings, with traditional animosities resurfacing amid these developments. The departure of former leaders such as Christopher Pyne and Simon Birmingham has left the moderate faction weakened, allowing the hard-right to gain influence. The upcoming annual general meeting, scheduled for September 19, will determine the new state president, with nominations due by August 28. The role comes with a seat on the party's federal executive, making it a highly sought-after position. As Antic consolidates power, his opponents are reportedly fielding a "mystery candidate," adding layers of intrigue and uncertainty to the contest. The identity of this candidate remains undisclosed, fueling speculation and debate within the party. Antic's alignment with One Nation has raised eyebrows, with some suggesting he might consider joining the far-right party. When questioned about this possibility after the South Australian election, Antic denied any immediate plans to switch allegiances but left the door open, stating, "Not yet." His remarks have prompted discussions about whether his leadership could prevent further defections from the Liberal Party to One Nation. If Antic secures the presidency, it could signal a shift in the party's direction, potentially solidifying its ties with the far-right. The Antic faction's growing influence was evident at the August 4 meeting of the Women’s Council, where they decisively outvoted the moderate wing. This outcome underscores the shifting balance of power within the South Australian Liberal Party, as it navigates a complex and increasingly polarized political environment. With the September meeting approaching, all eyes are on the developments that could shape the future of the party and its strategic positioning in the broader political spectrum.