SA election 2026: Peter Malinauskas secures second term as Labor returned to government

Labor has been returned to government in South Australia, with Premier Peter Malinauskas securing a second term after a campaign shaped by cost-of-living pressures, housing concerns and the ongoing strain on the state’s health system.

The outcome cements Mr Malinauskas’ position as Premier and gives Labor another term in office as voters weigh economic management and service delivery against growing household pressure.

Cost of living remained central throughout the campaign, while health continued to loom as a major issue, particularly ambulance ramping and pressure on hospitals.

Mr Malinauskas said he was “humbled” following the landslide victory.

“More than anything else, tonight, I’m overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude,” he told party faithful.

“A gratitude to so many people who have provided this government the opportunity to be able to continue to serve. To be able to continue our work of making sure that the momentum in South Australia delivers for the people who deserves it most, and those are the people of South Australia.”

For the Liberal Party, the result is another setback as it continues efforts to rebuild after losing government in 2022.

Opposition Leader Ashton Hurn told supporters at party headquarters that “lessons must be learned”.

“It’s a tough night for the Liberals. There’s absolutely no doubt about it that things are tough and lessons must be learned,” she said.

“There are a lot of things that we need to reflect on. But now is not the time for that.

“Now is the time to celebrate the Liberal cause because and to give hope for the future because there is still hope for the Liberal future here in South Australia.”

Senior Liberal senator Anne Ruston expressed confidence Ms Hurn would remain in the leadership role despite the result, urging colleagues to unite behind her as the party begins the task of rebuilding.

“I was really heartened when I was listening to her yesterday morning when she was speaking to the media that she said that come what may tonight, she would still be leading the Liberal Party, going forward from here and so I’m very heartened to hear that because I do agree entirely.

“Leaders not only need time but they do need clear air and I think Ashton will get clear air.

“I would say to all of my colleagues, Ashton is a brilliant leader, she’s proved herself over the last three months and anybody who doesn’t want to get behind Ashton and support her as our leader going forward, quite frankly, should rethink about whether they really want to be in the Liberal Party.”

ABC chief elections analyst Casey Briggs described One Nation’s result as a political “earthquake”, pointing to the party’s growing support as one of the most significant developments to emerge from the election.

While Labor secured victory off the back of strong results in metropolitan seats, the electoral picture appeared more complex in regional areas, where minor parties and protest votes gained traction.

“Attention will now turn to what is shaping up to be the, you know, in many ways, more-significant-nationally story,” Briggs said.