Nationals' Jonathan Pietzsch will run in Mackillop
The Tintinara farmer and Coorong deputy mayor will have a go at a state election after two federal campaigns.
The acting Mayor of the Coorong council, Jonathan Pietzsch, has been endorsed by the National Party as their candidate for the seat of Mackillop in the upcoming state election.
Mackillop encompasses parts of the Coorong council, including the towns of Tailem Bend, Coonalpyn and Meningie.
In a statement, the Nationals said they believed the future of regional South Australia was critical to the future of our state, and would focus their efforts for change in country areas.
The party's election platform includes:
- Energy and cost of living: Abandon a net zero commitment; increase investment in cheaper electricity by broadening the Capacity Investment Scheme to include all energy technologies and removing the moratorium on nuclear energy
- Regional health care: Increase incentives for GPs, specialists, and nurses to live and work in the regions
- Infrastructure and roads: Address the backlog of rural road and bridge maintenance and improving key regional transport links
- Economy and childcare: Support local businesses, reduce red tape and tackle regional childcare shortages to boost economic growth
- Pokies: Eliminate poker machines across all of South Australia over a five-year period
- Gun control: Oppose any moves to increase gun control
A registered firearm owner and farmer, Mr Pietzsch said the Nationals would oppose any move by the Premier to increase gun controls, saying law-abiding firearms owners had been unfairly targeted.
"The Nationals support our farmers, sporting shooters and recreational enthusiasts who abide by the law and are already some of the most regulated gun owners on the planet," he said.
There were adequate existing laws to prevent firearms falling into the hands of people like the Bondi Beach attachers, he said.
"South Australia doesn't need to be going after firearms owners so Labor can score political points," he said.
Mr Pietzsch was the Nationals' candidate for Barker at both the 2025 and 2022 federal elections.
His opponents at this election will include independent MP Nick McBride, the Liberals' Rebekah Rosser and Labor's Mark Braes.
