South Australia's new Premier Peter Malinauskas has arrived in Mount Gambier promising to end city-centric politics and to fulfil his party's $100 million election commitments.
Mr Malinauskas toured the Mount Gambier Hospital, chatted with lobster exporters hit by crippling Chinese trade sanctions and visited a local timber processing mill.
His visit comes only two days after being sworn in as the state's new premier and fulfils a pre-election promise to visit the state's second-largest city within 72 hours.
Appearing before the media scrum outside the hospital, Mr Malinauskas said the new Labor regime would look beyond the Adelaide tollgate.
"We are doing this because the Limestone Coast plays a key role in the economic and social fabric of our state," Mr Malinauskas said.
Region has been neglected, Premier says
The Premier also made it clear that despite not needing the support of Independent Troy Bell, he still intended to deliver all of the funding promised throughout his campaign.
"My interest isn't about who represents the seat of Mount Gambier," he said.
"I think this part of our state has been neglected by previous governments of both political persuasions, and I'm seeking to put an end to that with serious policy."
This promise includes a $52 million health package for the state with a multi-million-dollar upgrade of the Mount Gambier emergency department, doubling the capacity of the mental health unit housed in the facility and funding 24 new paramedics for the region.
Speaking with lobster businesses at Port MacDonnell, Mr Malinauskas said he was dedicated to helping the sector and promised to halve licensing fees for professional fishers.
Premier backs forestry
Apologising again for the privatisation of the state-owned forestry industry while the previous Labor government was in power, Mr Malinauskas said he was ultimately responsible for what his government does going forward.
The party's pledge includes around $25 million in support for the forestry sector, along with an independent review of the 2013 Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan.
"We are committed to a genuinely independent, scientific review of the use of water here in the South East.
"Not just to benefit the forest industry, but also the agriculture sector as well and we want to make sure we get that balance, right."
Bell reiterates his innocence
During his visit, Mr Malinauksas was flanked by Independent Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell, who is facing several criminal charges.
Asked how he retained his seat despite the legal issues, Mr Bell said he maintained his innocence and looked forward to his day in court.
"But I keep putting myself forward, because I know I've done nothing wrong and I know that will be proven in court."
"So I'm really looking forward to moving past this, we will get a chance to do that."
