Labor MP Tony Piccolo set his sights on former transport minister Stephan Knoll’s seat, steps down from Opposition frontbench

Former transport minister Stephan Knoll quit his job over the expenses scandal. Now, one of Labor’s state election heavyweights is coming after his seat in parliament.

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Labor MP Tony Piccolo will seek to jump seats at the next state election, setting up a showdown with former Liberal transport minister Stephan Knoll in the Barossa.

A redraw of state electoral boundaries released just over a week ago has made Mr Piccolo’s current seat of Light much safer for Labor on paper, but moved key communities including parts of Gawler into the neighbouring Schubert that is held by Mr Knoll.

Mr Piccolo, a former Gawler mayor and ex-emergency services minister, has won a series of close contests in his seat and often managed to resist general swings against Labor.

Schubert is now a 5.4 per cent Liberal seat on paper.

Labor must gain five seats in its own right to be in a position to form a majority government at the next election in 2022.

The Liberals hold four city seats by 1.5 per cent or less, forcing Labor to look further up the electoral pendulum if it is to gain the numbers for a stand-alone win.

Mr Knoll resigned as transport minister last month amid the country members’ expenses scandal, after paying back almost $30,000 while citing confusion over the rules.

Labor says Mr Piccolo has previously represented areas in the redrawn Schubert, under old boundaries of Light, and knows many of the issues that matter to people in the Barossa.

By making the decision 18 months out from the election, Labor has also given him an extended period of time to build a presence and new connection with those communities.

He is also resigning from the Labor frontbench to focus on the contest.

Mr Piccolo said: “Through the years of public life the people of Gawler have stuck by me and I intend to stick with them. I also want to be a voice for the Valley.”

“I believe the decision I have made is the right one for my community,” he said.

“I have represented the people of Gawler for more than 35 years and the people in the Barossa District and Light Regional Councils since 2006. “I have decided to relinquish my shadow ministerial responsibilities so I can continue to focus on representing the people of Gawler while seeking the trust of the people of the Barossa Valley.”

Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas said he was “delighted” that Mr Piccolo had decided to

“take on this challenge” and would be an “outstanding candidate” for Labor.

“I want Schubert to be represented by a strong, hardworking Member of parliament and I cannot think of anyone better than Tony Piccolo,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“This is a bold and brave move by Tony.

“Giving up a safe seat to run for a seat held by the other side shows his level of commitment to the Labor Party and to the people of Gawler and the Barossa.

“While the new boundaries are still to be finalised, we just can’t afford to sit around and wait another three months.

“We want to hit the ground running to ensure that the electorate of Schubert get the hardworking representative they deserve.”

Mr Knoll said the State Government had delivered more for locals in two and a half years than Labor had during its entire time in power.

“This includes the Gawler line electrification, something that Labor and Tony Piccolo ... had a decade to deliver and failed to do so,” Mr Knoll said.

“I am proud to represent the people of Schubert and remain committed to my electorate.”