SA-BEST leader Nick Xenophon has ended months of speculation after naming community advocate Kate Amoroso as the party’s candidate for Mount Gambier ahead of next month’s election.
The drug services advocate will take on incumbent MP Troy Bell and Liberal candidate Craig Marsh in the battle for the hotly contested seat.
In announcing her candidacy, Mr Xenophon heralded Ms Amoroso as a strong local candidate “who will bring hope to the electorate that change is possible”.
“Kate has turned her life around after battling substance abuse in the past few years and become a model citizen,” he said.
“She is an inspiration to anyone who has battled addiction and similar issues and I am very, very proud to have her on our team.”
Since recovering from methamphetamine addiction, Ms Amoroso has spearheaded campaigns for increased drug and alcohol treatment facilities and services, including the establishment of a permanent drug detoxification and rehabilitation centre.
Ms Amoroso said she was living proof “change can happen”, vowing to strongly advocate for community members and their families in similar situations.
“In standing for this position, I represent anyone who has battled issues with addiction, mental health, domestic violence and sexual assault,” she said.
“I have emerged a stronger person and I’m determined to be part of the solution for people like me and their loved ones.
“For three years I have worked in particular to bring change and much-needed understanding of the issues surrounding the drug ‘ice’ and its devastating effects on families.”
Ms Amoroso said she was motivated to enter politics after being disillusioned by the government’s lack of accountability and transparency in battling the methamphetamine scourge.
“The Weatherill government, through its inaction, has allowed a hopeless and vicious circle to become embedded in many SA communities,” she said.
“Those most in need of help have been silenced.
“It’s time to give those people a voice.”
Ms Amoroso’s long history with the electorate has seen her involved in local sporting clubs for most of her life before turning to community advocacy in the social inclusion sector.
In addition to serving on the Mount Gambier and Districts Health Advisory Council, Ms Amoroso also volunteers her time at the Migrant Resource Centre and Meals on Wheels.
While best known for her advocacy on drug services, Ms Amoroso said her recent community involvement had provided her with a broad knowledge of electorate-specific issues.
Ms Amoroso was particularly critical of the loss of control of state forestry assets following the South Australian Government’s sale of forward timber rotations.
“The sale has held the region back and the Liberals were weak in their opposition to it,” she said.
“The Mount Gambier region is a beautiful area with so much to offer, but over the past 16 years the Rann/Weatherill Labor government has totally neglected the needs of our people while the Liberals stand idly by and fail to hold them to account.
“I also support an urgent review of the forestry industry to find ways to support its future growth and jobs.”
Ms Amoroso said boosting services at the Mount Gambier Hospital and supporting a fracking moratorium in the South East were among her key policy interests.
“The Weatherill Government allowed the Mount Gambier Hospital to become sub-standard,” she said.
“With regard to substance abuse, Mount Gambier needs services, support groups, education programs and funding for detox and rehab beds.
“I also strongly oppose Labor’s plans for expansion of gas fields across the South East and support a 10-year moratorium on fracking.
“I will be a strong, local voice who will represent everyone in our community, regardless of their socio-economic, ethnic or political background.
“In SA-BEST, I am giving the people an alternative to the major parties controlled by either big unions or big business.”
