Adrian Pederick will seek re-election under new leader Vincent Tarzia
The Liberal Member for Hammond hopes to continue beyond 2026 following a shuffle of the opposition team.
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State MP Adrian Pederick will seek a sixth term in parliament in 2026 as part of a new-look Liberal team, following Vincent Tarzia’s installation as party leader last week.
The Member for Hammond suggested that he still had plenty of fuel in the tank after more than 18 years in politics, and that there was “absolutely no doubt” he would run again if pre-selected by local party members.
“I’ve got plenty of energy to move forward, plenty of experience in my fifth term, and I look forward to continuing to serve,” he said.
For now, that service will continue to revolve around veterans’ affairs, a portfolio he will keep after a shuffle in the Liberal ranks.
He will also be the opposition spokesman for the racing industry and an assistant to the Leader of the Opposition; but will give up emergency services to Tim Whetstone and regional roads to Ben Hood.
Mr Pederick praised both Mr Tarzia and former leader David Speirs for their contributions to the Liberal Party.
“David did a great job of unifying the party,” he said.
“I think we had the most united team we’ve had since 2006, and we still do.
“I think Vincent will do a great job moving forward.
“I was pleased we had a (leadership) vote and got on with the job.”
The Liberals were capable of winning the next election, he said, and would continue to make the case that they could do better than Labor on issues including the cost of living, ramping, law and order and regional roads.
That echoed a message from Mr Tarzia.
“The new shadow cabinet strikes a balance between youth and experience,” he said.
“It is energised and will take a fresh approach to tackling some of the biggest challenges we currently face as a community.
“My team will work every day to represent all South Australians and take the fight to Labor in 2026.”
No changes proposed to electoral boundaries
Meanwhile, the boundaries of Mr Pederick’s electorate of Hammond are likely to remain unchanged at the 2026 election for the first time in a while.
The SA Electoral Districts Boundaries Commission proposed no changes to Hammond in a draft of the electoral map released last week.
Pending any changes, Murray Bridge, Mannum, Strathalbyn and surrounds would remain in Hammond.
Tailem Bend would stay in Mackillop, held by Liberal-turned-independent MP Nick McBride.
- More information: edbc.sa.gov.au.
- Have your say: Email EDBC.Secretary@sa.gov.au before 5pm on September 16.
