Nick Xenophon’s reckless plan to abolish 18 state electorates will have a devastating impact on regional South Australia and will only further centralise power in the city.

“Getting rid of regional MPs will further isolate regional communities in this state who have been neglected by the State Labor Government for the last 16 years,” said Liberal Member for Hammond, Adrian Pederick.

“Country MPs take their duties very seriously and are strong advocates in parliament for the regional communities they represent – losing regional voices in the parliament would be disastrous for those communities.

“Does Mr Xenophon expect one MP to represent an electorate which covers an extraordinary area, subsequently; does he also expect constituents to drive hundreds of kilometres to see their local MP?

“The State Liberal Leader Steven Marshall values the regions and has made it a priority to visit all the regions as often as possible, whilst arguing the case for greater support for our regional communities.

“The Marshall Liberal Team has a comprehensive plan for the regions, with our policies to slash ESL bills and cap council rate increases to help tackle the costs of living and costs of doing business.

“We will invest in Country Health, improve health and prevention services, support primary producers, and build the productive infrastructure the regions need.

“Mr Xenophon has failed to articulate a policy platform for the regions. His only plan is to cut regional voices out of our democracy.

“The people who live in regional SA and contribute to our economy don’t deserve to have their representation cut.

“A Marshall Liberal Government will always stand up for our regions.”