Hugh Schuitemaker, Murray Pioneer
Last week’s Riverland visit by the State Opposition Leader has highlighted Labor’s indifference towards the region, Tim Whetstone says.
Alternative premier Vincent Tarzia made his first trip to the Riverland since taking over from disgraced former Liberal leader David Speirs in August 2024, and Mr. Whetstone said the continued absence of Peter Malinauskas – who last visited during the flood, in November 2022 – says plenty about the two parties.
“It’s nice to have someone interested in coming up and having a look around the place,” he said, “because we’ve seen no one from the other side.”
Mr. Whetstone pointed to Mr. Tarzia’s meetings with local wine industry representatives.
“It was important for the Opposition Leader to see just how much the wine industry matters to the Riverland and how it affects the psyche of our grower base,” Mr. Whetstone said.
“He’s gone back to Adelaide with a better understanding of how this region’s travelling, and how our efforts in parliament can help make a difference.”
While in the region, Mr. Tarzia was informed about the challenges presented by a worldwide slump in consumption.
Riverland Wine chair Jim Markeas advised Mr. Tarzia that the local industry needs export and marketing assistance to increase Australia’s slice of the world pie.
“That is the only way to bring back long-term sustainability to wineries and growers,” Mr. Markeas said.
“Riverland Wine is advocating for short-term, five-year, 50 percent interest rate subsidies… to free up cashflow for crop diversification/new product development…”
Mr. Markeas described Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) loans as “not workable” for growers to transition out of the industry.
Mr. Tarzia said he was grateful to meet with local wine industry representatives and hear about “the challenges they are facing firsthand”.
Mr. Tarzia and Mr. Whetstone started the day in Loxton, where they had coffee with local health advocate Sally Goode and Loxton Waikerie councillor Michael Vowles at the Country Bakehouse.
They later had lunch with Riverland Wine board members before visiting the Loxton North property of Peter Hill, who has a citrus orchard and vineyard, plus the Ridgehill Farm Stay tourism accommodation.
Next stop was the Berri MFS station to meet with Riverland regional commander Garrick Lehmann, before a boat ride with Murray River Trails founder Tony Sharley to take in some of the iconic views of Headings Cliff near Murtho.
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences,” Mr. Tarzia said.
“The Riverland deserves real leadership, real support, and real respect. I’m proud to have the Member for Chaffey, Tim Whetstone, and the shadow minister for primary industries and regional South Australia, Nicola Centofanti, in my team as passionate locals who understand this beautiful region.”
This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 8 October 2025.
