Ready To Serve

Mount Gambier’s Ben Hood elected to replace Stephen Wade in SA Legislative Council

“I’m just an everyday South Australian looking to fight for everyday South Australians.”

That is how former City of Mount Gambier Cr Ben Hood sees his new role, having been elected last Friday to fill the South Australian Legislative Council casual vacancy left by the former Health Minister Stephen Wade’s retirement.

“I am humbled and surprised to be given this opportunity by the State council to fill the casual vacancy,” Mr Hood said. “It really and truly is an honour.”

Mr Hood had been unclear on how his bid to fill Mr Wade’s place in the Upper House with a push from some sectors of the Liberal Party to instal a female in the role.

But in the end, the council went with Mr Hood’s credentials – no doubt the same credentials that saw him pre-selected as the Liberal Party candidate for the seat of Mount Gambier at last year’s election where the incumbent Independent Troy Bell was returned.

The newly elected MLC said it was going to be a challenge taking over the experienced Hon. Stephen Wade.

“They are big shoes to fill but I am thankful to the council for entrusting me with this role,” he said. “I’m really excited about it. In my travels with my businesses I have spoken with people all over the State, all over the country and that has given me a passion for serving every day South Australians.”

Citing housing affordability and cost of living pressures as priorities, Mr Hood certainly intends to use his new position in the halls of power to continue the fight for radiation treatment services in the Limestone Coast.

He has been part of the campaign for a while and was instrumental in setting up the petition and accompanying social media campaign – it looms as his first big fight as a Member of the Legislative Council.

“I am going to hold Labor to account and ensure they do hold up their end of the deal and deliver radiotherapy services right here,” Mr Hood said, acknowledging his side of politics dropped the ball when they had the opportunity to do so when in government.

“That was a wrong decision and we’ve got to be honest about that,” Mr Hood said. “I am always going to be as honest as I can. “We have to celebrate our wins and own our mistakes and that was the wrong thing to do.

“I know every person I talk to in my community – this is what they want, this is what they deserve. “When people are in the biggest battle of their lives they should not be having to make a 10 hour round trip for a 15 minute treatment. “I’ll keep fighting for the regions.”

While he admits there will be challenges with his new role and the amount of time in Adelaide and travelling the State will take away from time with his wife Elle and three children, they are a family that has already become adept at synchronising calendars.

“I have learnt to be very organised with a midwife for a wife,” Mr Hood said. “And it helps I have their blessing and they are excited that I have this opportunity to serve the State.

“I am a regional bloke who grew up on a farm – I left school in Year 11 and started two businesses – my story is a Liberal story.

“I am tremendously excited about the opportunities we have as a State and the opportunities the Liberal Party have as the party of aspiration, the party of opportunity.”

Along with housing affordability and cost of living, Mr Hood also has a focus on small business, tertiary education opportunities and making headway on skills shortages.

And of course, while they won’t be sitting directly across the room from each other, Ben will now be walking the same halls of power as his sister Lucy Hood, the Labor Member for Adelaide, adding a new level to their sibling rivalry.

“Lucy is very proud of her big brother,” Mr Hood said. “She is looking forward to seeing me in the halls of Parliament and I’m looking forward to holding the government to account every day.”

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin welcomed thioe news of Mr Hood’s election in a glowing social media post.

“A huge congratulations to Ben Hood – City of Mount Gambier Councillor who was last night elected by the Liberal Party of South Australia to fill a casual vacancy in the State Parliament’s Upper House,” Mr Pasin wrote.

“Ben is one of the most hard working and passionate members of our Barker community and as someone who has already delivered so many positive outcomes for our region, I can only imagine what he will achieve for South Australia in his new role.”

NEW JOB: Ben Hood with Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Hon. Nicola Centofanti MLC