Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone MP says regional South Australians have missed out on any meaningful investment from Labor in this year’s State Budget.

Mr Whetstone said the Government had failed his Electorate on key issues including regional roads, health and primary industries.

“It is unacceptable that this Budget neglects the regions that South Australia is so reliant on for its prosperity,” he said.

“The Government is racking up a debt of $53.7 billion while regions like Chaffey are coming up short.

“It’s set to cost South Australians almost $10 million in interest every day.”

Mr Whetstone said a glaring omission from this year’s Budget was any significant support for primary producers doing it tough.

“Our primary producers generate billions of dollars for our state’s economy, helping the Government pay off their debt. They deserve better.

“Meanwhile, the Whyalla Steelworks is getting $319 million to help with administration costs.

“Just as our state relies on our primary producers, we all rely on roads like the Sturt Highway that continue to go ignored.

“We need more than just road hazard signs to address the more than 47 fatalities we’ve had on the Sturt Highway since 2018.

“The Government must start duplication to make it safer and more efficient for all South Australian road users.”

While Mr Whetstone welcomed an expansion of the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme, he also noted the growing number of health services centralised in Adelaide.

“Our local hospitals and healthcare services continue to be neglected while more and more locals are forced to make the 500km round trip for the same level of care that others take for granted,” he said.

“While our regions continue to be left behind, it’s clear this Government has the wrong priorities for all South Australians.”