Mid Murray Mayor Simone Bailey has been announced as Labor’s candidate for the seat of Hammond at next year’s state election.
Bailey will take on long-serving Liberal MP Adrian Pederick, who has held the seat since 2006, as well as independent candidate and Murray Bridge Deputy Mayor Airlie Keen, who confirmed her campaign earlier this year.
The move sets up one of the most competitive contests Hammond has seen in years. Pederick’s margin was cut to 5.1 per cent at the 2022 election, making the traditionally safe Liberal seat one to watch in 2026.
Bailey, a qualified accountant and mother of three, said her decision to run came after seeing how closely her values aligned with Labor’s during the River Murray flood recovery, which began just days after she was sworn in as mayor in 2022.
“Through that process, and working hand-in-hand with the Premier and the Malinauskas Government, I saw how important it is to ensure our regional communities are represented properly in the state’s Parliament,” she said.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said he was impressed by Bailey’s leadership during the flood emergency and described her as a “strong voice for Hammond”.
The electorate of Hammond covers areas including Murray Bridge, Mannum and Strathalbyn.
Under South Australian election rules, Bailey will need to take leave from her mayoral duties from the 2nd of March, when nominations close, until election day on the 21st of March 2026.
