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South Australian Labor’s silence on Christian concerns risks a backlash at the Upper House ballot box — and the Christian vote still has real power to shape this election.

South Australians are already heading to the polls for early voting ahead of election day this Saturday, 21 March.

Polling throughout this campaign has been remarkably consistent, pointing towards a decisive Labor victory. At the very least, it is likely South Australia will see an overwhelming Labor majority in the lower house, with the possibility of a near wipeout for Liberal MPs.

Without the stabilising influence of a strong crossbench in the Upper House – made possible by a united Christian vote – this monopoly of power risks weakening the checks and balances that are vital to a healthy democracy.

There are many reasons for this apparent concentration of support among South Australians: two leadership changes in a single term for the SA Liberals, recent destabilisation of the Coalition at the federal level, and the “Mali factor” — Malinauskas’ magnetic likeability, offering an easy point of confidence in contrast to the Liberals’ recent disarray.

Labor’s Silence Speaks Volumes

However, as this election draws to a close, one concern has become increasingly clear: South Australian Labor appears to be taking the Christian vote for granted — their confidence giving way to complacency.

Despite repeated invitations, the party has not provided any meaningful response to the Australian Christian Lobby’s party and candidate questionnaires. You can view this for yourself at savotes.org.au, where a noticeable absence remains under Labor’s response.

Christians across South Australia have legitimate questions. Will protections for Christian schooling be upheld? Will conscientious objection rights be respected? Will freedom of speech be safeguarded (especially given the push for extreme vilification laws in some States)?

Labor’s answer to these questions has been radio silence.

In the last few weeks, well-attended cross-denominational events at Clearvision Church and Bethany Christian School, coordinated by ACL, drew strong participation from MPs and candidates representing the Liberals, One Nation, and other key minor parties. These events offered rich and robust discussion across a wide range of topics through audience Q&A. However, compounding their silence on ACL’s surveys, Labor was notably absent.

Christians are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for the basic democratic courtesy of being heard, and for reasonable assurances that long-standing freedoms will not be eroded.

A clear message has been sent to South Australian Christians: their concerns are not a priority of the South Australian Labor Government.

Your Upper House Vote Matters More Than Ever

But there remains opportunity yet for the Christian vote to shape South Australia’s direction.

While the Lower House outcome may appear largely settled, the composition of the Upper House remains very much in play. And it is here that Christians have a genuine opportunity to shape the next term of government.

The Legislative Council plays a crucial role in reviewing legislation, providing accountability, and preventing overreach. A strong and principled crossbench can act as a safeguard against policies that undermine fundamental freedoms.

For South Australian voters, this makes your Upper House vote especially significant. Pro-life, conservative candidates from One Nation, the Australian Family Party, Family First, the Liberals, and even 1x Labor candidate (Clare Scriven) are in the mix for highly coveted spots in the Upper House.

ACL has prepared a “Support Them Below the Line” guide to assist voters in identifying candidates committed to protecting life, freedom, and family. You can find this at savotes.org.au.

The website also includes clear guidance on how to vote below the line (alongside the benefits of doing so), as well as a searchable database of candidates in your local area.

While some Parties may take the Christian vote for granted, this election is an opportunity to remind them that it will still be heard.

The Fight for South Australia’s Future

A great deal is at stake in the next term of government. Across our nation, there is a growing appetite for restrictions on the public expression of Christian belief. At the same time, the South Australian Attorney-General has recently stated there is “no doubt” further efforts will be made to decriminalise prostitution in SA.

The ACL is in this fight for the long-term. But the strength of our advocacy relies on everyday Christians, like you, continuing to speak out and making their vote count.

Please consider sharing savotes.org.au with others in South Australia who may find it helpful.

Above all, we encourage you to pray.

You are warmly invited to join an online prayer gathering on the evening before the election, Friday 20 March at 7:30 pm (South Australian time). This event will be co-hosted by ACL and Dave Pellowe from Church & State Ministries, with several pastors and leaders guiding us in prayer.

When: Friday, 20 March, 7:30 pm
Where: Zoom

Wherever you are based, you are very welcome to join.

With the right representatives on the crossbench, and with continued advocacy from the ACL, I look forward to seeing the South Australian Government held to account by the Christian vote, fighting for a future where South Australia protects the unborn, upholds freedom, strengthens families, and pursues righteousness.