Why am I running for parliament?
I’m running as an independent candidate because the Eyre Peninsula deserves better. We’ve been a safe seat too long. We’ve been ignored for too long. The needs of our towns, families and environment keep growing, but we’re not being listened to, and we’re not getting the resourcing we need.
I’m putting my hand up to change that: to be an independent voice that puts our region first, not the interests of a major party. Someone who listens and fights for fair investment and practical outcomes.
I know how to bring people together and turn community priorities into funded projects. As an Independent, I’ll work with all sides of the parliament to get things moving.
This is about honest leadership, straight talk, and decisions made with us, not for us, so our region has the infrastructure, support and opportunities it needs for the future.
Local Heart,
Local Action
In this short announcement, Craig explains why he’s running as an independent for Flinders — driven by a deep love for the region, respect for its people, and a belief that Flinders deserves a strong local voice.
COMMUNITY PRIORITIES — WHAT I’VE HEARD
Everyone who lives on the Eyre Peninsula knows it is a region of opportunity and one of the most productive in South Australia. We can build on our strengths in agriculture, commercial fishing and aquaculture, and we have exciting potential for growth in sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, new technologies and mining.
My campaign has been about listening, learning, and understanding — so that when I have a seat at the table, the Eyre Peninsula has a real voice. A strong voice. A voice that doesn’t answer to any political party - only to you.
To realise our future, we have some challenges to overcome:
SUMMARY OF
KEY ELECTION COMMITMENTS
My Commitment to the Eyre Peninsula
The Eyre Peninsula is a region of opportunity and one of the most productive in the state, contributing over $4 billion to gross regional product each year. With a strong export focus, we are underpinned by established industries in agriculture, commercial fishing and aquaculture. Looking ahead, we have exciting opportunities for growth in sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, new technologies and mining.
I am committed to supporting this region in sustainably growing, enhancing, and diversifying our economy for current and future generations. We have huge opportunities — and enormous potential.
#1 - Better Health Services
A full parliamentary inquiry into health services on the Eyre Peninsula
#2 - Infrastructure for Growth
Declaring the Eyre Peninsula a major economic zone
#3 - Restoring Community Safety
Safer streets and stronger accountability
#4 - Decentralising Government
for Better Decisions
Bringing decision-making back to the region
Priority #1 -
Better health services
Parliamentary Inquiry into Health Services
If I’m elected, I will call for a full parliamentary inquiry into the state of health services on the Eyre Peninsula.
For too long, regional communities have been expected to accept second-tier access to healthcare simply because they live outside metropolitan Adelaide. Delays in treatment, workforce shortages, stretched emergency services, and limited access to GPs and specialist care are daily realities for families, older residents and frontline health workers across the region.
The Eyre Peninsula’s health system is under significant strain. This is not good enough, and it demands serious, urgent and transparent scrutiny.
A parliamentary inquiry would allow for an objective assessment of what is working, what is failing, and what must change. Importantly, it would also give local communities a genuine voice in shaping their own health system — something that has been missing for far too long.
For the inquiry to be meaningful, it must examine:
Priority #2 -
Infrastructure for Growth
Declaring the Eyre Peninsula a Major Economic Zone.
If I’m elected, I will push for the Eyre Peninsula to be formally recognised as a major economic zone and secure the infrastructure we need to unlock our potential.
We have enormous opportunities to strengthen and diversify our economy by building on agriculture, fishing, and aquaculture, and by growing our potential in tourism and renewable energy.
Our towns are ready to grow. But decades of underinvestment in water, power, roads, rail, ports and air services are holding the region back. Power and water security are a priority for our region to prosper and capitalise on potential investment opportunities.
While governments have focused heavily on growth in Adelaide, the Eyre Peninsula has continued to do its share to support South Australia’s prosperity, without seeing a fair return on that contribution.
Priority #3-
Restoring Community Safety
Safer Streets and Stronger Accountability
If I’m elected, I will stand up for greater transparency and accountability to address crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities.
Across the Eyre Peninsula, people are worried about safety. At home, at work and in public spaces. Residents and businesses are frustrated by break-ins, shoplifting, drug and alcohol-related harm and family violence, and by a lack of clear information about what’s being done.
People want to feel safe and solutions that actually work.
I will push for more police, stronger prevention services, and clearer accountability, not slogans.
That means:
Early intervention before problems escalate
Local solutions designed and driven by communities
Police, councils, service providers and community organisations working together.
Stronger investment in youth services, housing, mental health and alcohol and drug responses
Priority #4 -
Decentralising Government for Better Decisions
Bringing Decision-Making Back to the Region
South Australia is one of the most urbanised states in the country. Too many decisions affecting regional communities are made through a city-based lens.
The centralisation of government services to Adelaide has reduced the number of decision-makers living and working in regional areas. This weakens the connection, reduces accountability and leads to policies that don’t reflect our lived experience.
Communities on the Eyre Peninsula know what works and have practical solutions. What’s missing is a government system that trusts local knowledge and gives communities real authority.
I will fight to increase the number of government decision-makers based on the Eyre Peninsula, with genuine responsibility and decision-making power.
When decisions are made by people who are part of our communities, the result is better services, smarter policy and more effective investment.
That’s how government should work — alongside communities, not from a distance.
values
Service to community – decisions anchored in benefit to people and place.
Fairness & balance – seeks diverse views.
Integrity & transparency – straight talk; clear about the why and how.
Respect & inclusion – welcomes diverse voices; ensures access and participation.
Environmental responsibility – protect and restore.
Accountability – outcomes measured in real community impact.
Care & compassion – people at the centre.
Humility in service – purpose over ego.
Back Local Heart,
Local Action.
Unlike the major parties, we don’t have big corporate donors or party coffers behind us. This campaign is powered by locals chipping in what they can. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference.