The Federal Liberals are weighing extraordinary intervention in South Australia to block Senator Alex Antic’s bid for party leadership, a move that could also affect Angus Taylor’s prospects in the state election.

Inside the SA Liberal ranks, tensions have sparked internal rifts and mass walkouts at party events, underscoring broader governance problems that contrast with the relative stability seen in Queensland.

Antic’s backing includes One Nation-aligned promoters and critics of other federal figures, with some supporters engaging in cross‑party discussions about strategic alliances.

Among SA Liberals, Leah Blyth, the party president, has clashed with Antic over issues from post-Bondi hate-crimes legislation to preselection strategies.

Antic has hinted at a possible defection to One Nation, illustrating mounting internal divisions and potential realignment of conservative forces in the state.

Antic’s lead organizer Dom Gelonese has publicly pushed for expulsions of Downer, Flint, and Chapman, arguing for a party “cleaning house” to curb election interference.

There are signals from Abbott that a new SA division president should be aligned with defeating Labor at state and federal levels, suggesting backing for a fresh entrant near Taylor’s circle.

The piece notes constitutional and structural tensions within the SA Liberal Party, including last year’s changes to the constitution that complicate federal intervention and raise federation governance questions.

Behind-the-scenes efforts, including from party president Tony Abbott and Steve Taylor allies, aim to stop Antic from becoming SA president over concerns about governance and anti-vaccine or MAGA-aligned stances.

Abbott publicly criticized expelling former foreign minister Alexander Downer, signaling his active involvement in SA Liberal dynamics.

Antic’s faction is accused of reckless conduct, prompting discussions among federal Liberals about the possibility of a federal takeover of the SA division.

Abbott has been seeking a new candidate to challenge Antic in South Australia to strengthen leadership against his defiance of party lines.