Rob Kerin New Premier Of South Australia

Rob Kerin has been elected the new leader of the Liberal Party in South Australia and will become Premier, taking over from John Olsen. Kerin was elected by 13 votes to 9 this morning, defeating the former Premier, Dean Brown.

Kerin is currently Deputy Premier, Minister for Primary Industries and Resources, and Minister for Regional Development.

Brown, the long-time rival of John Olsen, has been elected deputy leader. He is currently the Minister for Human Services.

Olsen resigned on Friday after the release of a report of an inquiry into how the Motorola company was persuaded to set up operations in South Australia. Olsen was accused of giving dishonest evidence to the inquiry.

The South Australian government's 4-year term is up (the last election was held on October 11, 1997) but the election can be delayed until March. It is not clear whether the new Premier will choose to consolidate his position and wait until the new year or whether he will opt for a December election. The outcome of the federal election on November 10 may well influence his decision.

The Liberal government survives with the support of two independents in the House of Assembly. The ALP has indicated that it will move a motion of no-confidence in the government when Parliament meets tomorrow.

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