Dunstan By-Election: Labor Surges Ahead, Greens Make Gains, Liberals Slip in South Australia’s Most Marginal Seat

The Dunstan by-election in South Australia has set the stage for a political showdown in the state’s most marginal seat, following a night of tense results and shifting dynamics.

Two years after a close call for the Liberal Party in the Dunstan electorate, current leader David Speirs faced a critical test as early counts showed Labor surging ahead.

At the iconic Robin Hood Hotel, where past electoral drama unfolded, the Greens surprised with significant gains, led by candidate Katie McCusker who vowed to challenge strongly.

Despite the Liberals’ efforts to secure their grip on Dunstan, early numbers indicated a notable swing towards the Greens, putting the Liberal stronghold at risk.

Premier Peter Malinauskas and his Labor team campaigned with vigor, viewing the by-election as an opportunity to solidify their position halfway through the political term.

Health policies took center stage in the campaigns, with both major parties engaging in fierce exchanges over the state’s healthcare system, driving the narrative in the lead-up to polling day.

Allegations and scrutiny marked the campaigns, with Labor questioning candidate Anna Finizio’s ties to her family business, and the Liberals scrutinizing Labor candidate Cressida O’Hanlon’s past associations.

AAP‘s election analyst Antony Green weighed in on the unfolding events, indicating a notable swing towards Labor and the increasing likelihood of a seat loss for the opposition.

The results spelled a challenging pathway for the Liberals, with Greens’ preferences notably favoring Labor, potentially reshaping the political landscape in South Australia.

As the night unfolded, the mood at Labor headquarters was buoyant, with Malinauskas and candidate Cressida O’Hanlon absorbing the potential historic significance of the election outcome.

The resignation of former premier Steven Marshall cast a shadow over the Liberal camp, impacting the party’s performance in an electorate historically known for its political swings.

The electoral tussle in Dunstan, named after the esteemed Don Dunstan, encapsulated the shifting political currents in South Australia, setting the stage for potential leadership challenges and strategic recalibrations within the major parties.