As Parliament kicks off again in 2011 I want to take the opportunity to chat about my vision for the next 12 months.

 

In the modern day, politics is frequently reduced to 15 second sound bytes, to a flash in the news or single comment in the paper. The media moves at such a fast pace that rarely is there an opportunity for context, insight or one-on-one time with our politicians. Although, many would argue that spending 15 seconds with a politician is more than enough!

 

In 2011 I want to make myself and my Liberal team even more open and accessible to South Australians. I thought the best way to kick-start that would be to let you know about my plans for the year ahead.

 

I want to listen. I want people to know my door is always open.

 

Last year while the Rann Labor Government shut the public out of the decision making process, failed to consult and misled South Australians on key commitments, the Liberals were out talking to people. We held Community Cabinet meetings from Port Lincoln to Roxby Downs. I visited communities that were affected by the Government’s bad decisions in Renmark, Keith, Inverbrackie and Mt Gambier, just to name a few.

 

Week after week I stood on the steps of Parliament side by side with South Australians who were angry at Labor’s reckless slash and burn budget. Last week, thousands of people from the South-East descended onto North Terrace, angry at Labor’s decision to forward sell the state’s forests. There will be many more protests to follow as the community rallies against the Rann Labor Government’s decision making, such as the closure of Ward 4G – an eating disorder unit vital to the well being of many of our most vulnerable.

 

Last year, as many of you may know, I also ran community “Crime and Safety” meetings in every corner of metropolitan Adelaide to listen to people’s concerns about their local area.  This year, I am going to continue to go out into the community and talk to people. We have plans for more “Crime and Safety” meetings and many more opportunities for people to come and talk to me about other issues that affect their lives.

 

Labor has confirmed that Mt Barker will be recklessly redeveloped, expanding it to the size of Mt Gambier. It appears there has been little consideration given to food security, infrastructure or the will of local community who are firmly opposed to the redevelopment.

 

Unlike Labor, our urban development plans will be planned together with the South Australian community and industry. We will take into consideration the environment and we will implement smart development plans that do not place unnecessary strain on infrastructure or community services.

 

Please feel free to come and talk to me or any one of my Liberal team at any time. We are always available to listen to your concerns.

 

The Rann Labor Government has announced a portfolio reshuffle giving some Ministers new jobs. They have called it “regeneration” – but in reality this is the same tired old Labor Government. They’re not listening and they’re not coming up with fresh ideas.

 

In contrast, we are working hard developing policy ideas based on what South Australians have been saying to us as we make our way around the State.

 

My Liberal team has a busy year ahead tackling Labor head-on and holding them to account, listening to the needs of the community and developing fresh, new ideas that will help grow this great state.

 

I hope this year is a happy and successful year for all of you. I’m certainly looking forward to sinking my teeth into 2011.