Member for Light Tony Piccolo already making his mark in Barossa Valley territory
Light MP Tony Piccolo is not wasting time his mark in the Barossa Valley as he prepares to take on Liberal Stephan Knoll for the seat of Schubert in the next state election.
Barossa, Clare & Gawler
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Member for Light Tony Piccolo is making an early impact in Schubert after it was announced he would contest for the Liberal seat in the next state election.
A redraw of state electoral boundaries released last week has made Mr Piccolo’s current seat of Light much safer for Labor on paper, but moved parts of Gawler into the neighbouring Schubert that is held former Liberal transport Minister Stephan Knoll.
Mr Piccolo said he had received a good response from the Barossa Valley locals.
“I have already received invitations to attend events in the Barossa and people want to meet with me. I couldn’t ask for more,” Mr Piccolo said.
“Some of the issues people face in the Barossa are similar to those faced by people across the state like access to aged care, further education/training and job opportunities for young people, access to public transport and health services.
“Other issues will be unique to the Barossa, and over coming days, weeks and months I will be meeting and engaging with people from all walks of life across to gain a better understanding of those issues to develop the appropriate policy responses.”
Mr Piccolo said small hospitality businesses have been hit hard in the Barossa due to the COVID-19 pandemic and he’s eager to support them.
“The Barossa is an important tourist destination that has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
“The smaller hospitality businesses … will feel the full impact when Jobkeeper is cut out.
“We need to find ways to support them to get on back on their feet. We need to keep people in work.”
The Light MP was also conscious about neglecting his already strong base in Gawler, and stood aside from the shadow cabinet to focus on the town.
“I want to put all my efforts into looking after Gawler and getting to know the people in the valley”, he said.
“The Gawler people respect me for my loyalty to my community. It would have been very easy to just nominate for the new Light which is now a relatively safe Labor seat.”