The Albanese government considers the cost of living, access to secure and well-paid jobs, and infrastructure as the most pressing issues for voters in regional towns like Naracoorte.

As Australia goes to polls on May 3, a lot is at stake for all political parties.

Acknowledging that “people are doing it tough,” the current federal government of four years blames the current challenges to a previous decade of “Liberal neglect.”

In response to questions from The [Naracoorte] News, federal Trade Minister and South Australian senator Don Farrell acknowledged the unique challenges of life in regional and remote communities and claimed the government was committed to supporting every South Australian, regardless of their location.

“After nearly a decade of Liberal neglect, we’ve delivered targeted cost of living relief for all Australians, through tax cuts for every taxpayer, $300 energy bill relief, fee-free TAFE, and cheaper medicines,” Mr Farrell said.

“I know that in country towns, people want to ensure there is growth, prosperity, and opportunity—particularly for their children and grandchildren,” he said.

“Among the other things I know are on voters’ minds are access to secure, well-paid jobs and quality infrastructure.

“The government has worked to get wages moving, drive down unemployment, create jobs, and close the wage gap.”

Mr Farrell said the government had invested $1.86 million in funding to the Naracoorte-Lucindale Council to improve local roads.

“Naracoorte is a great place—every April school holidays I visit with my grandchildren, and the caves are an absolute highlight,” he said.

“As a member of the Albanese government, we’re always listening to communities to understand the issues that matter to them.

“Tackling the cost of living is the number one priority for the Albanese government—because we know people are doing it tough.”

He said the government was investing in the infrastructure and facilities that matter to local communities. In addition to funding for the Naracoorte Lucindale Council to improve local roads, there was an $86,795 grant to the Bordertown Golf Club, through the Play Our Way program, to upgrade facilities.

“As a proud senator for South Australia, I want to ensure I am continually listening to those from every corner of our great state,” he said.

“I know there’s more work to be done in our local communities, and I remain committed to real outcomes for every South Australian.”

Federal member for Barker, Tony Pasin, has hit back at the government, saying it had failed to manage the economy and keep people safe and united.

“This election will be about addressing the cost of living, getting our economy back on track, and keeping our communities safe, united, and prosperous,” he said.

Mr Pasin said voters would be asking themselves which party could better manage the economy and had the experience to lead Australia “in these uncertain times”.

“Life is harder for rural and regional Australians under the Albanese Labor government,” he claimed.

Mr Pasin claimed that Labor had cut billions of dollars from the regional road programs and it had never been harder to access a country GP, find local childcare, or make a mobile phone call.

“Regional Australia is not getting the focus it deserves, and under the Albanese Labor government, Australia is heading in the wrong direction.

“Labor has banned live sheep exports, pushed a renewables-only approach to energy generation and emissions reduction at the expense of high-value agricultural land and coastal communities,” he added to his claims.

Mr Pasin said a Dutton-led elected Liberal government would build a strong economy, deliver low inflation, cheaper energy, affordable housing, safer communities, and improved healthcare, particularly in regional Australia.

He says that the party believes regional communities like Naracoorte deserve a government that truly represents and understands them while making meaningful investments.

Mr Pasin emphasised that this was why the Liberal Party could be trusted to protect prime agricultural land, enhance telecommunications access, invest in roads and infrastructure, support enabling projects to unlock housing, lift the sheep export ban, and tackle persistent regional workforce shortages.

“After all, without communities like Naracoorte, Australia would be unrecognisable. A failure to invest in and enhance the drivers of our regional economies will cost Australia’s future growth and prosperity significantly,” Mr Pasin said.

This article appeared in The Naracoorte News, 2 April 2025.