Premier Jay Weatherill has declined an invitation to appear with Steven Marshall and Nick Xenophon at a leaders debate hosted by the Property Council next month.
Mr Weatherill says his absence will leave Steven Marshall and Nick Xenophon to “battle it out” for “conservative hearts and minds”.
“This debate will determine the true Liberal Party leader — the embattled Steven Marshall, or Nick Xenophon,” Mr Weatherill said on Tuesday.
“We know that Nick Xenophon is a former Liberal Party member. His new Party is stacked with former Liberals including Sam Johnson, who had been touted as a future leader of the Liberal Party in SA.
“Nick Xenophon has witnessed the capitulation of the Liberals under Steven Marshall and is taking full advantage — he wants to be the Liberal Party leader.
“I will participate in several other leaders debates — just not this one.”
Mr Weatherill said the Property Council had advertised the event before confirming his attendance.
Premier @JayWeatherill won't be attending next month's leaders debate hosted by the Property Council in the lead up to the state election #Adelaide @FIVEAANews
— FIVEAA (@1395FIVEAA) January 16, 2018
