‘Champ’ scores points over challenger in debate stoush IT’S been an action-packed week in “the battle for Wakefield,â€? as both major political parties ramp up their campaigns. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was in the electorate last weekend to announce a $2 billion car industry package to show support for local manufacturer, Holden. The announcement, designed to soften the blow of Mr Rudd’s previously-announced Fringe Benefits Tax was welcomed by Wakefield Labor MP, Nick Champion, who met with Mr Rudd. But it was a debate held on Sunday night in Elizabeth between Mr Champion and Liberal candidate, Tom Zorich, which had tongues wagging and social media revved up. Broadcast live on the FOXTV election channel and available for viewing online, it was also widely reported on local TV, SBS World News and radio. Mr Zorich, a local businessman and former Gawler councillor, TOM Zorich, right, and Nick Champion with moderator Peter van Onselen, centre, during the debate and RIGHT, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and SA Premier Jay Weatherill, left, surrounded by party faithful in Wakefield last weekend. stumbled when asked to explain his party’s Direct Action Plan – the alternative to the Federal Government’s Carbon Tax. Mr Zorich declared he was “a candidateâ€? and not necessarily up to speed with all political issues. He admitted a lack of knowledge on the Direct Action policy. “Throughout my campaigning and into the future I will always be honest and upfront with the people of Wakefield,â€? he said. But Mr Champion was quick to exploit the admission. “Your policy is to rail against the carbon price‌yet you don’t know, on the eve of a debate, your own policy on it,â€? Mr Champion said. Debate moderator and respected journalist, Peter van Onselen asked: “It is a multi-billion dollar policy, shouldn’t you be across it?â€? But Mr Zorich remained stoic despite his admission, with the debate then moving on. He will be in the northern end of the electorate tomorrow (Thursday), visiting Port Wakefield, Balaklava, Mallala and Dublin with Liberal MP for Grey, Rowan Ramsey. Polling last week by News Corp and Fairfax newspapers has suggested Wakefield could become a closely-fought contest. Mr Champion has held the seat since 2007, now with a margin of 10.53 per cent, reduced from 12 per cent at the 2010 election after
THE HEAT IS ON $1.50 Wednesday, August 21, 2013 STAR OF THE NORTH
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THE DEBATE AND MORE ON THE ELECTION PAGE 4
a redistribution saw parts of strong Labor voting suburbs of Paralowie, Salisbury North and Direk go to Port Adelaide, which delivered Virginia in return. Some rural areas came from Mayo and Barker electorates.
NIGHT matches in the Adelaide Plains Football League could be hosted at Balaklava next year on the back of a $100,000 State Government grant to improve the lighting and watering system at the town oval. The Lochiel Progress Association was also successful in gaining a $100,000 grant to redevelop the clubroom and change room facilities at the Lochiel Recreation Reserve (full story next week).
Let there be light ... and an improved clubroom at Lochiel The two grants were part of more than $6.4 million funding from the State Government’s Community Recreation and Sport Facilities Program (CRSFP). In other major grant allocations Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council n Continued Page 7
STATE GRANTS DELIVER $200,000 TO LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS
South Australia’s On The Run is looking forward to opening in Two Wells. On The Run will be coming to Two Wells this week. After closing temporarily for a few days on Wednesday 21st of August to undergo a ‘winter face lift’ it will re-open as On The Run Two Wells. The store will be open 24 hours and will continue to sell a large range of your favourite products, as well as a few new items we hope you will enjoy, at great prices. On The Run is a proud South Australian family business. established in 1984 with a single BP service station in Adelaide, it has grown to over 80 locations and we only operate in South Australia.
received $18,848 to develop an allweather walking and cycling trail linking the Rattler Trail to the Rhynie The Run’s General Manager railway station and township. On Michaela Webster said “We are looking forward to meeting and Wakefield Regional Council gained being part of the community in Two Wells, and working with $15,000 to review regional sport, Ashleigh and the team�. recreation and open space strategies Riesling Trail Inc. will upgrade access and signage for the Riesling Trail, Auburn, with its funding of $6500.
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