Federal Election 2019: Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie reveals top priority in Canberra

Newly re-elected Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie has beaten back Liberal challenger Georgina Downer for the second time in 12 months — now she reveals her priorities for the next Parliament.

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Fighting for action to protect South Australia’s biggest environmental assets will be top of the agenda for re-elected Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie.

Ms Sharkie on Saturday secured her place in the Lower House with 2.3 per cent swing in her favour to retain the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu seat.

She will sit on the crossbench with re-elected Queenslander Bob Katter, Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie, and newcomers Zali Steggall for Warringah, and Helen Haines in Indi.

“When I go back to Canberra I will be advocating for stronger policies on climate action, a Federal Royal Commission on the River Murray, protections for the Great Australian Bight and a Federal corruption watchdog,” Ms Sharkie said.

“I will also be advocating for more reliable telecommunications in our region, extra spending on roads and public infrastructure, including our sporting facilities, better public transport options, improved dental and health services, transparency of aged care staffing ratios, more Home Care Packages for our elderly and an independent agency to set the age pension.”

She will again lobby the new Morrison government to fulfil all the major party promises made in her electorate during the campaign.

Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie with supporters at Wallis Cinema in Mitcham. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Big ticket items included $73.6 million to upgrade Victor Harbor Rd between Main South Rd and McLaren Vale, $8.6 million to upgrade the Emergency Department at Mt Barker Hospital, and $8.4 million to expand hospital care and dialysis services at the South Coast District Hospital.

“And I haven’t forgotten my pledges to fight for an independent and adequately resourced ABC, the phasing out of long-haul sheep exports and the creation of a research institute in SA to help protect the health of our section of the River Murray,” Ms Sharkie said.

The Centre Alliance MP thanked her community for once again putting trust in her to be an “independent voice” in Canberra.

It follows her feature in an video of independents demanding action on climate change released prior to the election.

“To those who did not vote for me, please be assured that I represent all the people of Mayo and my office door is always open to hearing your concerns,” she said.