SA Election 2018: SA Best announce Kate Amoroso as candidate for Mount Gambier

FORMER model, racing driver and ice addict turned anti-drug advocate Kate Amoroso has been named as the SA Best candidate for Mount Gambier.

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FORMER model, racing driver and ice addict turned anti-drug campaigner Kate Amoroso has been announced as the SA Best candidate for Mount Gambier.

The well-known advocate for Drug and Alcohol services in the South-East town was revealed by SA Best leader Nick Xenophon on Wednesday.

Kate Amoroso is the SA Best candidate for Mount Gambier. Picture: Frank Monger

She will take on incumbent now-independent MP Troy Bell and Liberal candidate Craig Marsh.

SA Best leader Nick Xenophon said the mother-of-three was a strong local candidate and is “living proof change can happen”.

“Kate has turned her life — after battling substance abuse — around in the past few years and become a model citizen,” Mr Xenophon said.

“She is an inspiration to anyone who has battled addiction and similar issues, and I am very, very proud to have her on our team.”

The seat of Mt Gambier was comfortably won by former Liberal Troy Bell in 2014 — but he is running as an independent as he faces serious charges alleging he misappropriated more than $2 million of taxpayers money.

In announcing her candidacy Ms Amoroso said she represents anyone who has battled issues with addiction, mental health, domestic violence, and sexual assault.

“For three years I have worked, in particular, to bring change and much-needed understanding of the issues surrounding the drug ‘ice’ and its devastating effects on families.”

“During this journey I’ve seen an abysmal lack of government accountability and transparency.”