Getting the job done

When it comes to turning up to work every day, Member for MacKillop Nick McBride can’t complain.

“I have really enjoyed representing the people of MacKillop as an Independent over the past 18 months,” Mr McBride said. “It has allowed me the freedom to advocate to Government purely based on the needs of the electorate, and not around so called ‘party lines’.

“The role has been challenging but rewarding – and the feedback I’ve received about my work and representation has been positive.”

The State MP admits not every battle ends in a win but he is comfortable he has created the networks required to get things done in the halls of power and to secure positive outcomes for his electorate.

“Since turning Independent, I have been able to grow my working relationship with Ministers, which has enabled me to raise issues directly,” he said. “While obviously, it doesn’t always mean you get a ‘win’ – but it certainly has given me more traction with decision makers. I believe it’s fair to say that my work has shone the light on the needs of the electorate, which previously had been lacking.”

The Member for Mackillop also believes he is starting to find the sweet spot for time in his electorate mee4ting with constituents and being in Adelaide as part of his Parliamentary commitments.

“Parliament has given me a public avenue to raise concerns and issues with the Government,” he said. “It has also enabled me to question legislation. I urge people to go to my website for updates on my work in the parliamentary chamber – it’s an important avenue to keep the Government accountable and be part of the decision making process.

“This year, I am joining the Parliamentary enquiry into the mental wellbeing of veterinarians. This is a particularly important issue in regional areas, where the profession faces staffing and work pressures.”

While he is thriving in his role as an Independent, he is still a Liberal at heart.

“I have always said – a strong government needs a strong opposition,” Mr McBride said. “Despite leaving the Liberal party – my values haven’t changed – I am still very Liberal in my outlook. However, as an Independent – I will happily work with whomever is in Government to get the best outcomes for those who live and work in MacKillop.”

And that work as we move into 2025 will see Mr McBride tackling many similar issues to 2024.

“Cost of living pressures continues to be an enormous issue for my electorate,” he said. “Government’s need to do more to support the challenges associated with higher interest rates, higher grocery prices, higher electricity costs. It is a real struggle and more needs to be done.

“In MacKillop, health, roads, education and mobile connectivity issues are constant themes that need further government investment. Access to good quality health care when we have a nationwide Doctor shortage and ageing infrastructure is a struggle.

“I am pleased that the Government is recruiting more medical interns – including seven in the Limestone Coast. Nurse Practitioner roles are also vitally important as they take the pressure off our GPs – and I understand a recruiting process is underway in Robe for a Nurse practitioner role.

“This is in addition to the Robe Community paramedic scheme – which has proven extremely successful. It is my belief we need more emphasis on our community nursing clinics so that people can be kept out of our emergency departments.

“We also need greater assistance through the Patient Assisted Transport Scheme. Those living in the country shouldn’t be financially disadvantaged if they need to travel long distances to see a specialist. Additional assistance through the PATS accommodation allowance is a necessity.

“Our road network is vital for the movement of people and freight across the region. A large number of our roads are in a state of disrepair. While I acknowledge the Government is attempting to fix a problem that is long overdue, the number of roads needing urgent upgrades continues to grow.

“ I am pleased the Southern Ports Highway has been earmarked for an $18 million rebuild – but there are so many roads with potholes, broken edges and undulating surfaces. I have been vocal with the Minister regarding the maintenance contracts and will continue to advocate so that we have a safer road network.

“To live and work in the region you need access to high quality education and childcare. If we want to grow our economy, we need people to work – and as we know – there is plenty of work available across agriculture, viticulture, tourism and hospitality. There are many towns struggling to provide childcare – including Bordertown, Naracoorte and of course, Kingston (where funding has been promised – but the cost of building a centre has blown out). Childcare and good quality schools helps attract people to a town, so I will continue to advocate for funding to provide these vital services.

“A shortage of affordable housing continues to impact the region. It is difficult to encourage more people to live in the region if we don’t have enough housing options. The Government is investing in key worker housing, however there is a need to develop more land, and assist councils with infrastructure costs.

“The cost-of-living crisis will also push more people into public housing, which is why it is imperative that the Government invests in and maintains public housing options in the region.

“Since the 3G network was turned off, my office has received a constant stream of complaints about connectivity issues with 4 and 5 G. In 2025 – this is unacceptable, and quite frankly, dangerous. While I was pleased when, in September 2023 the Government announced another 27 mobile phone towers across the Limestone Coast – these towers are still in the planning stages. While I understand the wheels of government turn slowly, it is frustrating that we are still waiting for these towers to be installed.

“I am looking forward to the next 12 months. It will no doubt be a busy one as I continue to travel across my large electorate, listening to the constituents who have put their trust in me to represent them. I am always here for MacKillop – I live and work in the region and I don’t shy away from the challenges that may arise. I am here to get the best results for my constituents and the communities that make up the electorate I am proud to represent.”