Skyrocketing costs of living, housing, workforce shortages, and healthcare—these issues roll off the tongue of Opposition and Liberal Party leader David Speirs.
And with the state election more than two years away, Mr Speirs wants MacKillop back in the fold, claiming local MP Nick McBride “seems to have become Labor’s voice in the South East instead of standing up for what’s best for the region”.
In an exclusive interview with The [Naracoorte Community] News, the Liberal Party leader claimed all these issues were getting worse under the Malinauskas Labor Government, and “unfortunately, the current local MP (McBride) seems more interested in self-promotion than delivering for his local community”.
“We are particularly concerned that Nick McBride seems to have become Labor’s voice in the South East instead of standing up for what’s best for the region.
“The South East is an absolutely critical part of South Australia and plays a key role in the economic and social fabric of our state,” Mr Speirs said.
“It’s important the South Australian Liberal Party has a strong presence in the South East, which is why I have personally visited the region 10 times since becoming Opposition Leader to truly understand the issues facing the community.
“During these visits, I have consistently heard from locals who are concerned about access to healthcare, housing and workforce shortages, and the skyrocketing cost of living and doing business.”
Not revealing much, Mr Speirs hinted that Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional South Australia and the Liberal paired member for MacKillop, Ben Hood, has been given the nod to run for pre-selection.
“Ben Hood was born and bred in Naracoorte with deep connections to the region, and he has and always will be a strong local voice for the South East.
“Regional South Australia is an absolute priority for the Liberal Party, and we want to ensure towns from Naracoorte to Kingston SE to Mount Gambier are not just surviving but are thriving.
“The state election is more than two years away, and I look forward to the Liberal Party pre-selecting a quality candidate to win back the seat of MacKillop.”
McBride responds, says he’s not interested in being drawn into political games
Related story: Political games
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
