Charlotte Varcoe and Sophie Conlon
SOUTH Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has cancelled his scheduled visit to Mount Gambier after announcing a last-minute trip to the United Kingdom.
The cancellation was announced earlier today, shortly after the announcement of a $368 billion AUKUS nuclear submarine deal.
Originally, Mr Malinauskas was expected to travel to Mount Gambier on Thursday, March 16, for the official opening of the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre.
However, it was announced Tuesday, March 14, he would instead travel overseas to the United Kingdom where he would visit the Barrow-in-Furness shipyard and meet defence officials.
A State Government spokesperson said Mr Malinauskas had “thoroughly enjoyed” his visits to the Limestone Coast and looked forward to returning to the South East in the near future.
Mayor for Mount Gambier Lynette Martin said council was aware there could have been a “clash of dates” regarding the Premier’s visit to Mount Gambier.
“The Premiers department had been keeping me informed as to the possibility of a clash of dates in regards to the opening of Wulanda and the Premier’s need to travel overseas,” Ms Martin said.
“Today we discovered [the trip] is a result of the AUKUS announcement and I know the Premier is very disappointed at not being present and whilst it is unfortunate he is unable to join us, I acknowledge the importance of the naval ship building program to South Australia and the economic benefit it will provide for our state.”
She said should the Premier reschedule his visit, she would welcome him with open arms with possible future dates already in planning.
Also scheduled to visit Mount Gambier this week is Leader of the Opposition David Speirs who said Mr Malinauskas cancelling his visit was a sign of disrespect to regional South Australia.
“[The Premier] will be off to the United Kingdom for a selfie and if he came to Mount Gambier it would be a cheaper selfie but one none-the-less and I know he was scheduled to come because it was on the agenda that it was to be opened by him,” Mr Speirs said.
“If council made a shiny little plaque…then Lynette Martin will have to get out there with the paint scraper and scrub his name out and get out a texta and write in Clare Scriven instead.”
Mr Speirs said he was happy to open the Recreation Centre instead of Mr Malinauskas and “fill the gap” on the day.
“Considering the Premier has jetted off overseas, I am happy to fill the gap of opening the recreation centre and I am also happy to fill the gap in 2026 when I compete for his job.”
He said he was also looking forward to attending the official opening, labelling Wulanda an “exciting initiative” for the Limestone Coast which also “reinvigorates” Mount Gambier for sport and conferences.
Ms Martin confirmed with The Border Watch that Minister for Regional Development and Limestone Coast resident Clare Scriven would replace Mr Malinauskas during the opening with a plaque not yet made.
The official opening will take place on Thursday, March 16, from 10.30am.
