Kelly and his gang

PASSING THROUGH: Barker candidate for the United Australia Party David Swiggs (left) with the Leader of United Australia Party, Craig Kelly, who visited Mount Gambier this week.

Charlotte Varcoe

THERE were no election promises made for the electorate of Barker by high profile United Australia Party leader Craig Kelly during his visit to the region this week.

After visiting regions across South Australia, the leader made a quick stop in Mount Gambier on Wednesday where he met with a number of supporters.

Mr Kelly did not make any specific pre-election pledges for the region but did speak on how the party’s national policies would align with those across the area.

Mr Kelly said the party wished to strengthen regional areas of the country with policies such as reducing both personal and company tax rate by 20 per cent for those outside a 200 kilometre radius of major cities.

“I have heard that if someone in Mount Gambier needs to go to hospital they travel all the way to Melbourne or Adelaide to receive major hospital services although they are paying the same rate of income tax as those who live in metropolitan areas,” Mr Kelly said.

“I think it is only fair that people living distances away from major hospitals and infrastructure should have a lower tax rate.”

He said that despite the seat of Barker being a traditionally Liberal seat, Mr Kelly had faith in Barker candidate David Swiggs.

“We believe that despite it being a strong Liberal seat, there are people here looking for alternatives,” he said.

“David is doing a great job and is one of many candidates and I think he has a real chance at winning the seat.”

Mr Swiggs said the visit by the leader of the United Australia Party was perfect timing after he gained momentum across the State.

“Our key policies will affect those who are living in Mount Gambier and the Barker electorate and I think they are necessary as we move out of Covid-19 times,” Mr Swiggs said.