Liberal Party weighs takeover of South Australian division

The federal executive of the Liberal Party is considering an extraordinary intervention to take control of the South Australian division. This move comes amid concerns regarding Senator Alex Antic’s efforts to gain control of the state branch and allegations that his faction is attempting to purge high-profile party members.

Critics within the party claim that Antic’s supporters have breached governance rules by overturning annual general meeting results and pushing for the expulsion of figures including former foreign minister Alexander Downer, former MP Nicole Flint, and former state MP Vickie Chapman. Federal Liberal president Tony Abbott has criticized the push to expel Downer, describing those seeking his removal as “crackers.”

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and party leadership are reportedly working to prevent Antic from becoming the South Australian president in an upcoming election. The federal executive is expected to meet in Canberra to discuss the potential takeover, though the high legal threshold required for such an intervention may result in less drastic measures.