ONE of the region’s political leaders has spoken out about his “unfortunate choice of words” regarding a local matter in question.
Member for MacKillop Nick McBride has defended comments made in the metropolitan media in relation to shop trading hours.
The Liberal MP recently told The Advertiser crossing the floor of parliament on his party’s deregulation plan was “not worth chopping my neck off” and “disenfranchising myself from the Liberal Party”.
While conceding changes to trading hours would pose challenges to Millicent IGA and Foster’s Foodland, he said he would seek an exemption in the party room, but not vote against the policy in parliament.
The first-term MP said he would not vote against the Liberal State Government on the policy because he believed he had more value to his constituents if he did not break rank with his colleagues.
“My poor choice of wording was intended to imply that it is better for the electorate of MacKillop that I not ostracise myself within the party so my future influence on issues that affect the electorate are heard,” he said.
“As I have stated previously, I feel the best way to represent Millicent’s view on trading hours is to negotiate within the party room, which I have done and will continue to do.
“I’m going to exhaust all party room options and negotiations to give the Millicent community the representation it rightfully deserves.”
Mr McBride’s pledge to seek a party room exemption to Millicent has been shot down by Treasurer Rob Lucas, who confirmed no immunity would be extended to Proclaimed Shopping Districts.
Treasurer Lucas said any move to spare the three country-based shopping districts from legislative change would result in a “mish-mash of law”.
State Opposition leader Peter Malinauksas announced the Labor Party would fight total deregulation – particularly around public holidays and Saturday and Sunday nights – but did not rule out earlier Sunday trading.
The Labor Party did not respond to questions on their view of the situation in Millicent or whether they would seek an exemption to Millicent’s rare regulated shopping regime.
The Liberal State Government’s proposed deregulation will see Millicent three regulated shops – Woolworths, Foster’s Foodland and Target Country – able to open on Sundays and most public holidays.
Last year, Wattle Range Council conducted a postal vote on the issue, with 72pc of respondents supporting the retention of the town’s rare regulated shopping regime.
Woolworths have long expressed their support for extending trading hours, while Foster’s Foodland and IGA – Millicent’s sole Sunday trader are opposed to the measure.
Foster’s Foodland proprietor Brian Foster has previously said under the retailer’s franchise agreement the store is required to open when the hours are available.
