THE pool of candidates vying for the seat of MacKillop continues to grow with farmer and businessman Richard Bateman entering the contest under the Australian Conservatives banner.
The third generation primary producer is the fourth candidate to enter the political race alongside Liberal Nick McBride, SA-Best’s Tracy Hill and independent Jon Ey.
Mr Bateman said he was motivated to run to ensure regional residents and country businesses had a strong voice in parliament.
“I will be advocating strongly for the people of MacKillop and want to fight alongside our Australian Conservatives members in the Upper House to enshrine into law no fracking in the South East and to see right to farm legislation become a reality,” he said.
“We need to make sure the interests of farmers are not trampled on by a government only interested in the mining dollar.”
Mr Bateman, who is a former Liberal member, said he joined the Australian Conservatives following disillusionment with the State Opposition.
“Most country people are seeing the Liberal Party as getting a bit too city-centric,” he said.
“Everyone plays politics and votes and the votes and power are all in the city.”
“The South East has been neglected for about 20 years and we are taken for granted as MacKillop is a safe Liberal seat.
“It is time we make it a marginal seat and make sure our votes count to ensure we have a voice down here.”
Mr Bateman said he would be advocating strongly for the return of rural revenue for building and maintaining key infrastructure, mobile phone black spot funding and restoring the 110kph speed limit on rural roads.
Legislation enshrining a moratorium on fracking, Right to Farm Legislation and improved education curriculum performances will also be addressed by Mr Bateman.
“There is nothing wrong with Clay Wells Road, it is actually one of the better roads in our area,” he said.
“That’s what happens when the Transport Department is out of touch with the regions.
“We’re also seeing issues with mobile black spots.
“Tony Pasin had federal funding but the State Government would not come to the party.
“We have had a very city-centric government for the last 16 years and we do need a change.
“The way we have our three potential leaders sitting, it would be great to see the Australian Conservatives get a place at the table.”
After working in a family farming partnership with his parents and his brother for 20 years, Mr Bateman and wife Jacqui continued in a new partnership from 2000 until present day.
In 2009, the pair diversified their business through the purchase of a Southern Zone Rock Lobster fishing licence, with the business operating from Robe.
Mr Bateman is currently the South East Professional Fisherman’s Association port representative for the Port of Robe and has held various executive positions on the association’s subcommittees.
In addition to holding positions in local and district committees and sporting clubs, Mr Bateman has been involved in the Furner Country Fire Service Brigade and school council governing body.
Australian Conservatives MLC Robert Brokenshire said Mr Bateman’s long history of dedicated community involvement and deep understanding of regional issues were a contributing factor in his preselection.
“Richard will strongly support the Australian Conservatives party as we focus on representing the whole of South Australia rather than the type of city-centric focus that we have experienced under the Labor government,” he said.
“Richard has been strongly involved in his local community, holding positions within local and district committees, sporting clubs, volunteered as part of the Furner CFS and he was on the school council governing body.”
“Australian Conservatives is the true country party and we are running quality country candidates who live and breathe regional Australia and who do not just appear before an election or suddenly develop a social media presence that makes us look active.
“We have a record for fighting for country South Australia which is why I spend most of my times in the regions working with communities.”
