Former opposition leader to become a minister in Labor government, saying he is putting the people of SA first

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

A South Australian Liberal opposition MP has defected and will become a minister in the state's Labor government.

Martin Hamilton-Smith made the shock announcement on Tuesday, saying he was putting the people of SA first.

Hamilton-Smith, who is a former Liberal leader, said he would become an independent Liberal and would continue to represent his seat of Waite.



The opposition leader, Steven Marshall, said Hamilton-Smith's defection was "an act of political betrayal and treachery", coming so soon after the state election returned Labor for a fourth term.



"Mr Hamilton-Smith's disgraceful decision is unrivalled in its treachery and duplicity," Marshall said in a statement.



Hamilton-Smith had betrayed his electorate of Waite and the 456,000 voters who put the SA Liberals first at the March poll, he said.



"Mr Hamilton-Smith might think he can call himself an independent Liberal, but he is now a member of a Labor cabinet," Marshall said.

The premier, Jay Weatherill, said Hamilton-Smith would become a minister and take on the portfolios of investment and trade, defence industries and veterans' affairs.



Hamilton-Smith said Weatherill had reached out to him after the state election earlier this year.



The pair met on Monday and "here we are", Hamilton-Smith told reporters.



Hamilton-Smith said he had considered his decision very carefully and it was time to put people before politics.



"I have spoken to Steven [Marshall] and explained my position," he said.



"What I am focused on making a contribution."



The MP said "we are all here to serve" and he felt he could better do that as part of the government.



"Yes, it's been a tough decision," he said. "It's the right decision."

Hamilton-Smith's move gives the Labor government extra breathing space in parliament. Labor has 23 seats, with two independents in the 47-seat lower house.

Weatherill said the government's agreement would ensure Hamilton-Smith supported it in key parliamentary votes such as supply and no-confidence motions.



"Mr Hamilton-Smith will strengthen the government in South Australia," he said. "I think, on any view, he is widely regarded as one of the most talented members of the opposition."

Hamilton-Smith said he and the premier were of one mind.



"We want to build things; we don't want to rip them down. And I can't see how the uncertainty and the political point-scoring over coming months and years will help kids, the pensioners," he said.