Bell bows out

MEMBER for Mount Gambier Troy Bell has officially tabled his resignation – stepping away from his parliamentary career on Tuesday.

The unsuccessful appeal of his fraud conviction prompted the decision after nine years of battling the charges.

The toll on Mr Bell and his family clearly visible as he spoke to media outside of court when the decision was handed down last Thursday.

Despite calls from both Federal MP Tony Pasin and the State Liberal Opposition to hols a by-election the State Government has ruled out pulling that level six months out from the next South Australian Election.

Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia said it was shameful that one of South Australia’s biggest regional cities will be without an elected representative for more than six months.

“All South Australians deserve equal representation in the House of Assembly,” Mr Tarzia said. “The people of Mount Gambier pay their taxes like everyone else in South Australia and would be within their rights to ask what they are getting for their money.

“The Liberal Party has pre-selected a fantastic candidate in Lamorna Alexander, who stands ready to take on this role should the people of Mount Gambier elect her in March.”

Shadow Minister for Regional South Australia, Nicola Centofanti said it wa unacceptable for the Government to hide behind cost as a factor in denying the basics of democracy to thousands of South Australian citizens.

“It is incredibly disappointing that thousands of people will be left without a Member of Parliament to advocate on their behalf for such an extended period of time,” Dr Centofanti said.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said Premier Peter Malinauskis must not hide behind costs to deny Mount Gambier residents their right to be represented in the state Parliament following the resignation of Troy Bell.

“Mount Gambier has more than 26,500 enrolled voters. Democracy is not something the Premier can put on hold when it suits him politically,” he said. The people of Mount Gambier deserve a voice in the South Australian Parliament, and if that means a by-election so be it, it should be called without delay.

“By-elections are a routine part of our democratic process. This is a Premier who wants us to believe he values the regions and Mount Gambier in particular. This is his opportunity to prove he’s not all talk.”