SA Labor Confirms Mount Gambier Does Not Matter

SA Labor Confirms Mount Gambier Does Not Matter

Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin MP, has condemned the decision to deny the people of Mount Gambier a by-election following the resignation of state MP Troy Bell.

This decision leaves the 26,000 residents of Mount Gambier and surrounds without a representative in the House of Assembly for 201 days—a severe blow to democratic representation.

“This decision is a slap in the face to the people of Mount Gambier,” Mr Pasin said. “To disenfranchise over 26,000 residents for more than six months is unconscionable. Every South Australian deserves a voice in their parliament—Mount Gambier’s has now been silenced.”

The reasons offered—cost, timing, and school holidays—are nothing short of insulting. “Democracy isn’t something you delay because it’s inconvenient or expensive. Representation is a right, not a convenience. There should be no taxation without representation.” Mr Pasin added.

The message is clear: “The Malinauskis Government has once again proved regional South Australians just don’t matter. It’s one thing to deny the people of Mount Gambier cancer

treatment services like radiation therapy, it’s quite another to deny them the representation that is required to achieve that and other outcomes.”

Mr Pasin concluded: “I will continue to stand with our community and demand Mount Gambier be treated with respect. Our region will not be pushed aside, some might want to treat us as second class citizens but I can assure them we are not.”