Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell has officially declared he will run for a third term – with the Independent MP positioned to become a “king maker” at the State Election in March.
With Adelaide largely ringed by Independents, Mr Bell has positioned himself to align with whichever major party brings their cheque book to the table following the election.
But Mr Bell’s support will come at a higher price than Member for Frome Geoff Brock, who famously negotiated support for the Labor Party to form government over a pizza in 2014 – with Mr Bell’s Future Mount Gambier Plan price set at $100m for Mount Gambier.
“I’m proud to announce my intention to stand as an Independent again for the upcoming State Election,” Mr Bell said.
“Our community has been very supportive and loyal to me over the last seven years, and I have worked every day to repay that trust through hard work and representation.
“As an Independent, I have worked with both sides of government to put the interests of our community first and deliver meaningful outcomes for our electorate.”
Mr Bell said he had “stood up for the electorate” on countless occasions and always advocated for the city to be front and centre of State Government attention and funding.
“During my time, I have successfully fought for a ban on fracking to become law, ensured $4.1m in State Government funds for the Mount Gambier Regional Airport upgrade, and advocated for funding for a local MRI machine and renal dialysis unit upgrades and the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS),” he said.
“Through my advocacy, we have seen major inquiries announced into a range of local issues, including the independent inquiry into our hospital’s emergency department which resulted in a major overhaul, as well as the continuing inquiry into our forest industry to highlight the amount of log being exported through the Port of Portland.
“We have also seen the reinstatement of 110kph speed limits on the Bay and Carpenters Rocks roads following major roadworks to improve the safety of these roads.
“Importantly, over the course of seven years, my office has helped thousands of locals get the advice and representation they need on a wide range of issues.”
Mr Bell first won the seat in 2014 with a decisive vote and was re-elected as an Independent in 2018 with an increased margin.
The incumbent MP believed it would be an interesting time for politics with pandemic-related issues expected to dominate the March election.
“Cross border communities, travel and business restrictions – this has been our life for the last 18 months and my office and I have been there fighting for our community during some of the toughest times we have faced,” he said.
“This is a time when we need experienced politicians who are prepared to put in the hard yards for their community and represent their residents at a state level, whether it comes to voluntary euthanasia, cross border restrictions or dredging the Port MacDonnell harbour.”
Mr Bell said he was proud to represent Mount Gambier, a city in which he was born and raised and where he lives with his wife Michaela and children.
“Call me biased but I believe we’re the best regional city in South Australia and we deserve so much more,” he said.
“Regional people do not like being treated as second class citizens and many people have spoken to me about their belief the Liberal party are city-centric and have not looked after the regions as well as they should have.
“The centrepiece of the Liberal Party’s State Budget and election campaign is a $700m stadium for Adelaide.
“Imagine what just a fraction of that money could achieve for the Mount Gambier electorate?
“We deserve our own focus and that is why I have put forward the Future Mount Gambier and Districts plan to seek investment of $100m to strongly position our electorate for the future.”
Looking towards the March election, Mr Bell said a general alliance had been formed between the six independents, who met weekly for policy briefings.
“My very firm belief is that neither side will be able to form a majority government after the next election,” he said.
“This puts us in a very strong position to negotiate services and infrastructure that we have never seen here before.
“That’s why I put out ahead of time the Future Mount Gambier document so that it’s no surprise to either major party what my community is looking for.
“But that’s just the starting point, already it’s been highlighted to me, we need more health services, I have been in a briefing where there is a $70m development for the Mount Gambier hospital which would allow more services to be provided here and our community members would not have to travel to Adelaide or elsewhere.
“I’m in discussions now with both major parties about a significant funding increase for the Mount Gambier hospital, as well as the Future Mount Gambier document.
“This is about who’s going to deliver the most for our region, I will support which ever party backs our community.
“I’m looking forward to seeing more announcements by both political parties in the lead up to the State Election.
“I do think the Liberal party needs to invest more in the second largest city, and more in the regions generally.
“The signature policy for the Liberals is the basketball stadium in Adelaide.
“I have got people needing health services, their priority is completely wrong. Regional health and regional development should be the highest priority.
“The Liberals have the wrong priorities.
“Even if I get defeated but we can deliver for our community then I will be very happy
“There is nothing in the Future of Mount Gambier Plan for me – it’s my community and what I see as a pathway to the prosperous future.”
