South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill will skip a leaders' debate organised by the Property Council next month.
The February event hoped to bring Mr Weatherill together with Opposition Leader Steven Marshall and SA Best leader Nick Xenophon ahead of the state election in March.
But Mr Weatherill says he won't take part because of "other priorities", and has characterised the debate as a contest for conservative hearts and minds.
"This debate will determine the true Liberal Party leader, the embattled Steven Marshall or Nick Xenophon," he said.
"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.
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Mr Weatherill said he would take part in several other debates.
Property Council executive director Daniel Gannon said February's debate would put the political heavyweights in front of an audience of business leaders and industry captains.
"They aren't interested in politics, they're interested in policies," Mr Gannon said.
"While it's disappointing that the premier has chosen to not participate in the event, we respect his decision."
