The South Australian Liberal Party has set its sights on a crucial goal ahead of the 2026 State Election – a 50% representation of female candidates at the polls.

The important target will underpin a multi-year strategy for the Liberal Party – under Leader David Speirs – to attract more women to politics with better opportunities and career pathways in a more family-friendly environment.

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Nicola Centofanti chaired the Women’s Taskforce alongside 11 other female leaders linked to the Liberal Party.

The taskforce met extensively, engaged a multitude of stakeholders, and accepted valuable submissions from parties on a confidential basis from across the state to better understand, holistically, what changes need to occur within the Liberal Party to enact positive change.

Mr Speirs commended the Women’s Taskforce on its hard and dedicated work over the past few months.

“Change is coming in the Liberal Party, and it’s been sparked by strong women, for women, to support the next generation of women who aspire to be in politics,” Mr Speirs said.

“It was clear change was needed and I am taking quick and sustained action to modernise the Liberal Party – that’s why we will consider the 10 recommendations in full and will start work immediately to help more women enter politics and to better support those already in our party.

“There was overwhelming support from stakeholders – submitted to the taskforce – to not adopt a quota system because such a policy is viewed as a quick fix and band-aid solution for an issue that requires more comprehensive change.

“Our strategy will revitalise the Liberal Party by supporting more women to enter politics and help make it more reflective of community expectations.”

Taskforce Chair Nicola Centofanti is proud of the group’s work and the strong bonds made and said the recommendations will lead to better outcomes for women in the Liberal Party.

“This has been a long and thorough process, and the taskforce needed to take its time because this is a strategy we could not afford to get wrong,” Dr Centofanti said.

“We are so grateful to everyone who made submissions to the taskforce, and the opportunity to hear from high-powered women in senior positions across different industries in respect to the challenges women face in day-to-day life.

“The taskforce stands by its recommendations and believes the initiatives can have a huge positive impact on the Liberal Party going forward – we want more women to join politics and this three-year plan is how we will achieve that.

“Our strategy is one developed by women, for women, and we’re confident one day we will look back and say, ‘this is when the Liberal Party evolved for women for the better’.”

Recommendations to Leader of the Opposition David Speirs:

Adopt a target to preselect 50% female candidates for the 2026 State Election.

Adopt a target of 50% female representation within state parliamentary ranks within three terms.

Introduce a Parliamentary Pathways Program for women, to be provided in partnership with an external provider.

Investigate a range of incentive strategies to help attract future female candidates.

Investigate opportunities to host events which are in a family-friendly format (hosting events at a suitable time and providing childcare)

Work with organisations which seek to support women within the Liberal Party to establish professional networking bodies for women which are complementary to existing electorate branch activities.

Provide consistency regarding governance within the pre-selection process to ensure a level playing field for candidates.

Re-evaluate support structures which are provided for candidates, both during and after election.

Introduce a targeted membership drive for women.

Establish a working group to drive delivery of these recommendations.