A political earthquake has reshaped MacKillop – and its new MP says he is wasting no time.

“I am deeply humbled and incredibly grateful… It’s a historic result, and I don’t take this trust lightly. I’m ready to get to work.”

That was the message from One Nation’s Jason Virgo after a stunning election result delivered a massive swing across the electorate – with Naracoorte emerging as a key signal of change.

In an interview with this newspaper [The Naracoorte News], Mr Virgo said the result was more than a victory – it was a clear warning shot to Adelaide.

“To see such a massive swing and level of support across the electorate – especially from communities like Naracoorte – shows a clear appetite for change,” he said.

“The people of MacKillop have sent a loud message to Adelaide that they want to be heard.”

Mr Virgo said his first priority would be establishing his electorate office and ensuring continuity of services.

“Our first task is recruiting staff and setting up office operations so constituent services can continue,” he said.

“I’ll be spending these first few weeks actively meeting with local businesses, community leaders, and council representatives… to ensure I am taking your most pressing, up-to-date concerns straight to Parliament.”

He reaffirmed a key campaign commitment – keeping the Naracoorte office open.

“Absolutely. Keeping the Naracoorte office open is a priority. Naracoorte is a vital agricultural and economic hub for the South East.”

Mr Virgo signalled an aggressive start to his term, promising visibility and confrontation in equal measure.

“I will be out there listening to you. You are going to see me out in the community,” he said.

“More importantly, I will be putting the Labor-Liberal uniparty on immediate notice: the people of MacKillop will not be ignored.”

Among the first issues he plans to take to Parliament is growing concern over mining developments and their impact on prime agricultural land.

“Farmers have seen the impacts… They want to protect their families’ farms,” he said.

“I’ve heard them loud and clear, and one of my first priorities will be to look at amendments to the Mining Act to better protect farmers’ property rights in MacKillop.”

Looking ahead, Mr Virgo outlined a clear set of priorities: cost-of-living relief, backing agriculture, and securing infrastructure funding.

“The greatest advantage of being a One Nation MP is that I am not bound by the city-centric agendas of the uniparty,” he said.

“My loyalty is to the people of MacKillop.”

His message to voters was simple: “Thank you for backing me, and my door is always open… you can expect leadership that is honest, completely accessible, and fiercely protective of our way of life.”

Rebekah: “I was prepared to have hard conservations”

Defeated Liberal candidate Rebekah Rosser said she accepted the result with humility.

“I was prepared to have the hard conversations and do the hard work required to ensure the Liberal Party earned the right to govern but the result is one I accept with humility,” Ms Rosser said.

“I have every faith in Ashton Hurn and passionately believe that MacKillop’s contribution to South Australia warrants it a strong voice as she establishes the next generation of Liberal leadership.”

Ms Rosser said she would always be committed to democracy and respected the decision voters have made.

“…that respect must remain at the centre of how we move forward.”

She said campaigning for the election was a privilege and a joy.

“Being welcomed into homes, businesses and farms across the electorate reinforced the strength and resilience of our community and I remain committed to contributing, staying involved and continuing to serve.”

Council welcomes MP, sets expectations

Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross welcomed the incoming MP – but made it clear expectations were high.

“The NLC certainly welcomes its new local member, and we look forward to meeting with him once he takes his place in Parliament,” mayor Ross said.

“Nothing stops for an election and the issues we had before are still there.”

Mr Ross listed top of the list issues which included healthcare access, crumbling roads, childcare shortages, and critical infrastructure projects.

“We wish that Mr Virgo can hit the ground running on these issues of importance which include better health delivery for those who suffer from ailments requiring them to travel to receive their critical healthcare requirements,” Mr Ross said.

“We look forward to improvement to our state government roads which have been falling into disrepair and need a serious injection of funding.”

He said the critical need for childcare in Naracoorte must be addressed to allow greater flexibility for the district’s workforce.

“…we have been on the cusp of development for four years now but just have not been able to get it over the line,” Mr Ross said.

“To ensure the government follows through with the development of a new Regional Police Centre and the new Regional CFS HQ facility during this term of government would be a massive outcome.

“The need to advocate for collaboration between government and developers to build affordable housing, and more houses to keep up with the current and projected need through to 2050.”

The mayor said Mr Virgo (needed) to be acutely aware of the region’s strengths, wrapped up in agriculture, forestry and fishing, all of which revolves around the pristine landscape and water resources.

“These assets are vitally important to the ongoing prosperity of the region as a whole.

“There are a great many issues which a standing member will need to deal with, not all competing, but certainly needing to be front of mind.

“NLC will be expecting an office in Naracoorte so his (Mr Virgo’s) constituents have easy access to him, and a constructive working relationship which will be outcome focussed as a priority.”

This article appeared in The Naracoorte News, 8 April 2026.