Division in South Australian Liberal Partyroom Revealed in Leaked Documents

Article: Leaked documents have exposed the deep-seated division within the South Australian Liberal Partyroom. The State Opposition, led by David Speirs, has been caught backtracking on its promise to “Save the Cranker” – the Crown and Anchor Hotel. Despite publicly supporting a motion by the Greens for changes to state planning laws to prevent the proposed development, internal documents reveal a different approach.

Shadow Planning Minister Michelle Lensink, who vocally supported the motion, recommended removing the clause opposing partial demolition or adaptive reuse of the Crown and Anchor site. Instead, she suggested endorsing a broader clause, calling on the government to explore avenues for the hotel’s state heritage listing. Eventually, the Liberals decided to back the Government’s amendments to the motion, including encouraging MPs to make submissions to the relevant panel.

The leaked documents highlight the policy chaos within the Liberal Opposition and raise questions about Lensink’s sincerity in supporting the motion. This backtrack has disappointed patrons and supporters of the Crown and Anchor, who were led to believe that the Liberals were firmly against the proposed development.

While the Government commends the Liberals for aligning with their stance, they criticize the compromises and flip-flopping that occurred along the way. The leaked documents further illustrate the internal turmoil and lack of cohesion within the South Australian Liberal Party.

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