GOVT DRIVES JOBS GROWTH
I read with interest Mark Jones' letter to the editor ('Govt debt levels higher under Coalition', Stock Journal, May 9) where he criticises my work as the Member for Barker.
According to Mr Jones, I have been "promising money here and there in the battle for hearts and minds". I have not promised money but rather consistently delivered funding for many communities across Barker.
I take pride in my ability to advocate for local projects and ensure that Barker receives funding for projects that will support regional communities to prosper.
Delivering this funding would not be possible without a strong economy.
This year, for the first time in 12 years, we will deliver a budget surplus - a feat Labor last achieved in 1989.
We have created more than 1.25 million jobs since 2013 and our unemployment rate has fallen to 5 per cent - the equal lowest level in a decade. Last financial year, more than 100,000 jobs were created for young Australians - more than any year in history - and the rate of welfare dependency is the lowest it has been in 30 years.
Mr Jones also references the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. As the Member for Barker I represent river communities from the NSW border right through to the Lower Lakes. No one is more invested in ensuring this bipartisan plan is delivered in full and on time, but it must be delivered in a way that does not destroy river communities.
On energy prices Mr Jones wants to portray me as pro-coal and anti-renewables. I have always maintained that my views on energy are technology agnostic. I want to see Australia's energy policy deliver affordable electricity and unlike Mr Jones, I acknowledge coal makes an important contribution to our energy mix.
Finally, Mr Jones mentions my willingness to sustainably cull New Zealand fur seals in the Coorong and Lower Lakes. I will never shy away from the sustainable and humane cull of abundant species, whether they be kangaroos, feral deer, corellas or New Zealand fur seals.
This election the choice is very clear - a Morrison government that will continue to build our economy and secure Australia's future or a Bill Shorten Labor government that will introduce higher taxes on retirees, houses, incomes, investments, family businesses, electricity and more.
Tony Pasin,
Member for Barker.
PUT SA'S INTERESTS FIRST
As a fourth-generation cattle producer and farmer from the Northern Flinders Ranges, I am writing to provide information to readers regarding voting options for country people in the coming elections.
I am standing as an independent Senate Candidate (below the line) on three main platforms - the first being that the federal government's push to locate a nuclear waste dump in SA threatens our agricultural brand.
As we continue to integrate food production and consumption in the world today, we must demonstrate SA's clean and green paddock to plate credentials. A nuclear waste dump taints this for both agriculture and tourism.
I also believe SA deserves more substantial water flows to come down the River Murray. Although the Murray-Darling Basin Plan is by no means perfect, we should continue with it rather than ripping it up as suggested by others.
Consensus and negotiation over time are the hallmarks of democracy, and they should not ever be qualified by intimidation. In my opinion, too much water is being used upstream. I will work to improve the situation for all South Australians.
My third main platform is to institute a 'Royalties for regions' program in SA. WA had great success for many years funding major projects in regional and remote areas with its Royalties for regions program.
I would work to see the federal and state government develop this here in SA.
The program could fund issues like primary healthcare in the regions, projects like the Dog Fence, kangaroo, weed and feral animal management and the sealing of the Strzelecki Track in the far north-east of SA.
A Royalties for regions strategy would also help underpin research and development in our agricultural endeavours.
Multiple other South Australian issues warrant discussion in the Senate. These include drilling in the Bight, farmers' rights regarding trespass, and federal funding for SA roads. I will work hard to address all relevant South Australian issues.