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One week down, three to go to SA poll

The South Australian election still remains almost impossible to call three weeks out from polling day.

SA Premier Jay Weatherill makes hand gestures are he speaks on stage.
Labor Premier Jay Weatherill has promised a renewable energy target of 75 per cent if re-elected. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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With one week down and three to go, continuing uncertainty surrounds the outcome of South Australia's March election.

Labor Premier Jay Weatherill powered his way through the first days of the campaign with a strong focus on energy policy.

He has committed a re-elected Labor government to lifting the state's renewable energy target to 75 per cent.

He has also set a 25 per cent target for renewable energy storage, the first of its kind in Australia, with both marks to be hit by 2025.

But Opposition Leader Steven Marshall says he's been buoyed by the response to the Liberals' plan to create jobs and reduce cost-of-living pressures.

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"Quite frankly, after the first week there is only one party that has a strong plan and a strong team to deliver that plan," he said.

"The Liberal party has been out every day this week talking about job creation. That's absolutely crucial for our state."

The wildcard in the equation remains Nick Xenophon and his SA-BEST party, which is standing candidates in 36 of the state's 47 lower-house seats in a bid to secure the balance of power.

He delivered major statements on health and a long-awaited energy policy, including a demand that any future minority government cut power prices by 20 per cent within two years or face losing his support.

"We just want to keep the bastards accountable on energy prices, whoever those bastards may be," he told reporters.

"I think there is nothing like the prospect of a government losing its position to focus their minds on the issue of energy."

Mr Marshall did not respond directly to the warning but continued recent attacks on the former senator, describing him as a "pretender".

On the campaign trail on Friday, the Liberal leader announced an increase in funding to the state's food industry to help increase exports and jobs.

Labor offered to scrap stamp duty and waive registration fees for five years on electric or other no-emission cars.

Mr Xenophon announced SA-BEST's senior's policy, which included free public transport at all times for people aged over 60, increased funding for palliative care services and installing CCTV in aged-care facilities to ensure the safety of residents.

The campaign focus is expected to shift to social issues next week, with the South Australian Council of Social Services to host the next debate between the three leaders.


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