There\u2019s no denying it\u2019s been a tough year \u2013 cost of living pressures, a dry season, low market prices.<\/p>\n
Member for Barker Tony Pasin is all too aware of these challenges but could also find some silver lining to the 2024 that was.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe started the year securing a commitment from the State Liberal Party to support radiotherapy in the Limestone Coast,\u201d Mr Pasin said. \u201cThat\u2019s a real win.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe then ended the year with the massive announcement for the Mount Gambier Saleyards to provide funding for the project \u2013 the State Government has put in $2.7million and the federal Opposition has pledged $7.5million after the bitter disappointment along the way of having its application refused twice.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is do or die now so we are happy to secure that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Of course, the agricultural sector had a tough start to the year in terms of beef and sheep prices and the dry season has those on the land doing it tough.<\/p>\n
\u201cBanning of the live sheep exports played a role in that and if we are returned to government we will overturn that,\u201d Mr Pasin said.<\/p>\n
And then there is the cost of living pressures, from which no one has escaped.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was the year Labor thought they were going to get on top of inflation and interest rates would come down but I think we have no hope of that, especially in the short term, and the best we can hope for is rates staying level and that is clearly too high,\u201d Mr Pasin said. \u201cIt is causing real pain for people. I have been talking to charitable organisations in the region and for the first time ever they are seeing double income households.\u201d<\/p>\n
The flip side of those dire circumstances is the generosity of the Limestone Coast community, whether it be donations to Christmas gift campaigns, including Mr Pasin\u2019s own gift drive, or assisting local charities with financial contributions of donated goods.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a tough time of the year with cost of living, housing crisis, energy crisis and I have been humbled and almost a little bit shocked by the generosity of the community,\u201d he said. \u201cThere are so many philanthropic opportunities and people have jumped into them really hard.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the benefit of living in a regional community that is so connected. We know things are tough \u2013 some are definitely doing it tougher than others.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Pasin\u2019s Mount Gambier and Murray Bridge offices received hundreds and hundreds of gift donations, which have been delivered to the Salvos.<\/p>\n
\u201cI described it as a room full of joy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
And while the Member for Barker will take some time off over the festive season to celebrate with family and friends, he has a busy 2025 planned with some key priorities on his hit list.<\/p>\n
The switching off of 3G and the slower than expected roll out of 4G mobile phone towers is well and truly in his sights and he will continue to prosecute the disadvantages of poor connectivity.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe new towers were announced 12 months ago and our understanding is they are still 12 months away,\u201d Mr Pasin said.<\/p>\n
Radiotherapy services in the region is an ongoing campaign he has no intention of pushing to the back burner and helping famers navigate this dry season also looms large.<\/p>\n
And while he focuses on both his role as a local member and as Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, he is also in campaign mode as the Coalition looks to present itself as the alternative government.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are seeking the confidence of the Australian people to return us to government,\u201d he said. \u201cWe will get on top of inflation which means getting on top of government spending. We cannot keep spending like we\u2019re spending, it\u2019s the reason why the Reserve Bank governor can\u2019t lower interest rates.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou also need to drive up productivity, invest in productive infrastructure.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd there is set to be a big debate going forward on energy policy in this country \u2013 the rest of the world is moving to nuclear. It is not a question of whether Australia will at some point have nuclear as part of its energy mix \u2013 it\u2019s a question of when.\u201d<\/p>\n
Then there are his concerns over the sprint mining project around Naracoorte.<\/p>\n
\u201cPersonally I think it\u2019s madness,\u201d Mr Pasin said. \u201cIt is prime agricultural land and large swathes of land and feels a lot like the proposal for fracking.\u201d<\/p>\n
Having a good team in his office has been critical, despite the fact he is still a familiar face on the ground in his electorate and he feels like the Liberals are building a strong network in the region, including Ben Hood.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is great to have a partner in crime.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
There\u2019s no denying it\u2019s been a tough year \u2013 cost of living pressures, a dry season, low market prices. Member for Barker Tony Pasin is all too aware of these challenges but could also find some silver lining to the 2024 that was. \u201cWe started the year securing a commitment from the State Liberal Party […]<\/p>\n