Hurn announces new leadership team to head into the 2026 state election

Hurn announces new leadership team to head into the 2026 state election

Five days into the job, new Opposition Leader Ashton Hurn has unveiled her shadow cabinet ahead of the 2026 state election.

She said the new, streamlined shadow ministry reflects the team's priorities for a more affordable South Australia with better health services and safer communities.

Changes include appointing Ben Hood as shadow treasurer, Heidi Girolamo takes on the portfolio of health and wellbeing, including mental health and suicide prevention, while Jack Batty will add education to his responsibilities alongside his police and correctional services role.

Mrs Hurn said the new shadow cabinet is focused and determined to ensure South Australians have a clear choice at the next election which is just 99 days away.

"I am extremely proud of our team - we are united, energetic and determined to roll up our sleeves for the people of South Australia," Mrs Hurn said.

"In less than 100 days, South Australians can choose between lower costs, a better health system and safer communities under the Liberals or higher costs, record ramping and crime without consequences under Labor.

"With this team, we will be putting forward strong policies that get back to the bread-and-butter issues that really matter, lower taxes, better health and a safer community."

The shadow cabinet has a depth of experience and talent, with several former ministers, and former leader Vincent Tarzia, who takes on the Sport, Recreation and Racing portfolio.

"Every member of the team will be laser-focused on making sure life is more affordable under a Liberal government and that South Australians have a clear choice in March."

Here is the new Liberal line-up:

Ashton Hurn  - Leader of the Opposition 

Josh Teague - Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Attorney-General, Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Shadow Minister for Child Protection 

Nicola Centofanti - Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Shadow Minister for Water 

Heidi Girolamo - Deputy Leader in the Legislative Council, Shadow Minister for Health and Wellbeing 

Ben Hood - Shadow Treasurer Shadow Minister for Small and Family Business, Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector

Jack Batty - Shadow Minister for Education, Shadow Minister for Police and Correctional Services, Shadow Minister for Arts, Manager of Opposition Business - 

Vincent Tarzia - Shadow Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing 

Michelle Lensink - Shadow Minister for Planning, Shadow Minister for Housing, Shadow Minister for Human Services, Shadow Minister for Women, Shadow Minister for the prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence

Stephen Patterson - Shadow Minister for Energy and Mining, Shadow Minister for Defence and Space Industries

Tim Whetstone - Shadow Minister for Trade, Industry and Investment, Shadow Minister for Emergency Services 

Samuel Telfer - Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Shadow Minister for Local Government 

Adrian Pederick - Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs, Shadow Minister for Regional Roads

Penny Pratt - Shadow Minister for Regional Health Services, Shadow Minister for Tourism

David Basham - Shadow Minister for Climate and Environment 

Shadow Minister for Training and Skills, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Dennis Hood

Laura Henderson - Shadow Assistant Minister to the Leader, Shadow Assistant Minister to the Shadow Attorney-General, Shadow Assistant Minister for Child Protection, Shadow Assistant Minister for Youth, Shadow Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Shadow Cabinet Secretary