Former South Australian Premier Steven Marshall announced his decision to step down from state politics, which will trigger a by-election. Representing the Dunstan district in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs, Marshall entered Parliament in 2010 and became the 46th premier of South Australia in 2018. However, he was defeated in the 2022 state election when Labor, led by Peter Malinauskas, came to power. Marshall, aged 57, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the member for Dunstan, leader of the South Australian Liberal Party, and premier of the state.
Following the announcement of his resignation, Marshall is preparing for the formalisation of the process in the coming months, and a by-election will be held in his vacant seat. He emphasized the importance of preselecting the right candidate to ensure effective Liberal representation for the people of Dunstan. Dr. Anna Finizio has been proposed as a potential replacement for Marshall. Notably, Marshall served as the head of the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing rigorous measures such as press conferences, state border closures, and brief lockdowns to manage the virus.
He expressed his pride in handling the pandemic and the broader community’s response to unprecedented challenges, which he believes saved many lives. Marshall also cited his achievements in space, defense, renewable energy, and economic development while in office. He assured that these endeavors have positioned South Australia for a new era of prosperity. In an Instagram post, Deputy Liberal Leader John Gardner paid tribute to Marshall, thanking him for his service. The South Australian Liberal Party also expressed its gratitude for Marshall’s contributions to the state. The news of Marshall’s resignation comes a day after former Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced his own departure from Parliament.