DESPITE conceding “Labor’s gas policy stinks”, Greens SA has refused to answer why the party will direct voter preferences to Labor in the seat of MacKillop.
Liberal candidate Nick McBride, Australian Conservatives candidate Richard Bateman and Independent candidate Jon Ey fired shots at the environmental party last week after it was revealed the Greens would preference Labor at number two on their how-to-vote card.
The Labor State Government has previously said they had no intention of implementing a ban, moratorium or “any other effective veto” on any petroleum or mineral extraction.
Comparatively, the Greens has pledged to oppose moves by any future government to open the state’s regions to unconventional gas extraction despite directing their voting preferences to the Labor Party at the March 17 poll.
Greens MLC Tammy Franks said the party’s focus was on ensuring her re-election to the Upper House.
“If the voters of MacKillop want to protect our land and water, they should vote Green,” she said.
“We believe the best way to protect our land and water is by having a strong Green voice in the parliament.
“The Greens plan to protect land, water, climate, and communities includes a ban on gas exploration and extraction in all farming lands, urban lands and conservation areas throughout South Australia.
“While the Liberals also support a fracking ban, they have also said they want to scrap to renewable energy target.
“With an urgent need to act on climate change, it is environmentally and economically disastrous to expand fossil fuel industries when renewable energy alternatives are available.”
Australian Conservatives candidate Richard Bateman criticised the Greens for their lack of explanation around their group voting ticket.
“This question about why the Green’s preferenced Labor in MacKillop is a fair question and we believe a professional political party will answer questions from professional journalists,” he said.
“The answer that was provided by the Green’s was a lot of filibustering that does not answer the question.
“We ask the Greens to answer the question.
“We need transparency and openness, yet what we have here is the Greens playing party politics.”
Liberal candidate for MacKillop Nick McBride said he was indifferent to the preference flows and was concentrating his efforts on being a vocal advocate for the electorate.
“I have been working hard to get out in the local community and deliver for the electorate of MacKillop ever since I was preselected last year,” he said.
“I’m not worried about preferences.
“I’m just focused on providing strong representation for the people in the South East that have been ignored by this tired Labor Government.”
Labor’s Hillary Wig, independent Jon Ey and SA-Best candidate Tracy Hill did not respond to inquiries.
