New SA Liberal leader Ashton Hurn unveils 'streamlined' shadow cabinet
SA Liberal leader Ashton Hurn says she is proud of the team heading into the election campaign. (ABC News: Rachael Merritt)
In short:
Ashton Hurn unveils a "streamlined" cabinet, with changes including Ben Hood stepping into the role of shadow treasurer.
Heidi Girolamo will take on the health and wellbeing portfolio, while Jack Batty will add education to his responsibilities.
Vincent Tarzia will remain on the shadow ministry, after stepping down as leader last week.
South Australia's new Liberal leader Ashton Hurn has unveiled her shadow cabinet, just 99 days out from the next state election.
Ms Hurn announced changes to the "new, streamlined" shadow ministry would include Ben Hood as Shadow Treasurer and Heidi Girolamo taking on the health and wellbeing portfolio, including mental health and suicide prevention.
Jack Batty will add the education portfolio to his responsibilities alongside his current role as police and correctional services shadow minister.
Josh Teague will remain as Deputy Opposition Leader.
"This streamlined approach really does reflect the priorities that we'll be taking to the next election of making sure that we've got an affordable SA for families and businesses making sure that we have a better health system, not just for patients, but of course for our staff as well and making sure that we have safe communities right across SA," Ms Hurn said.
"I'm really proud of the team that we've pulled together. I'm excited about the next 99 days.
"The team is energetic, we are laser-focused on the task ahead, and we're ready to roll up our sleeves for the people of our state to get to work for them."
Ms Hurn took over as Opposition Leader earlier this week after former leader Vincent Tarzia announced he would be stepping down last Friday.
Ashton Hurn stepped into the leadership role earlier this week. (ABC News: Daniel Taylor)
Mr Tarzia will retain a spot on the shadow cabinet with the sport, recreation and racing portfolio.
Mr Tarzia resigned from the position "to focus on his young family and his local community".
"I'm excited to have Vincent remain in my team," she said.
"The personnel haven't changed, we've got the same personnel who will be in the team, we've just slightly readjusted things.
"For instance, we now have a shadow minister for mining and energy.
"We have previously had portfolios, for instance, around whether that's tax reform or things like that, that will now be sitting with the Shadow Treasurer."
On Monday, Ms Hurn admitted winning the next election would be a tough task for the party.
"There is no doubt that we have an absolute mountain to climb between now and next March," she said at the time.
Ms Hurn has previously said health and community safety were among key issues and has already committed to repealing the SA Voice to Parliament if elected next year.
"Getting back to the basics will be something that you'll hear me talking about a lot, because I think this government has the wrong priorities, "she said today.