Evans takes shot at opposition

Member for Murray Austin Evans has used a visit to the Southern Riverina to take a swipe at his opponents.

He said neither Shooters, Fishers and Farmers (SFF) or One Nation would be able to deliver on promises.

With just five weeks until the March 23 state election, the Member for Murray will be fighting to keep his position in the marginal seat which he holds by 3.3 per cent.

Mr Evans’ biggest competition is likely to be from SFF candidate Helen Dalton who achieved a massive 19 per cent swing against The Nationals at the 2017 byelection.

There is also expected to be support for One Nation candidate Tom Weyrich.

The Greens last week announced Albury doctor and former Deniliquin High School student Nivanka De Silva as its candidate, and a Labor candidate is expected to be announced soon.

Mr Evans is expected to face a voter backlash in some areas amid concerns The Nationals have not done enough for the region in key areas, especially around water policy.

‘‘A vote for them (SFF or One Nation) is a vote for not much at all,’’ Mr Evans said.

‘‘They’re making bold statements every day because they can say whatever they like knowing they won’t be held accountable for it.

‘‘At least the Coalition can deliver and over the past 15 months I’ve been able to deliver right across the electorate.’’

Mr Evans said he’s not focused on the campaign put forward by SFF and One Nation and has no plans to make any preference deals with other parties.

‘‘We have to run our campaign and show we’re worthy of been elected.

‘‘Democracy works best when you have competition and I’ve known Helen and Tom for many years.

‘‘I’ve heard rumours the Shooters and One Nation have already made deals at the state level but we have no plans to make deals.

‘‘We certainly won’t be making deals with Labor, and there’s no way we’ll do a deal with the Greens.’’

Mr Evans was in Tocumwal on Monday for the official opening on the Splash Park as well as touring the Southern Riverina two weeks ago.

He said on his campaign trail his constituents told him water and health are the biggest issues that must be fixed.

‘‘Water is certainly an issue across the electorate and that’s the ongoing drought and problems with the Basin Plan.

‘‘People are talking about the South Australian Royal Commission which was an absolute joke and Labor’s decision to lift caps on buybacks which would be horrific for this region.

‘‘Health is an issue right across rural communities and we’ve been able to make improvements to Finley Hospital.

‘‘We’re trying to improve things in the country area,’’ Mr Evans said.

Despite constant criticism by farmers, water advocacy groups and local government, Mr Evans defended the Coalition’s handling of water issues.

‘‘The reality we have is the choice is between us or Labor and we’ve seen recently Labor will increase buybacks and most likely adopt part of the South Australian Royal Commission and take back more water.

‘‘The Coalition are the ones putting caps on buybacks, we’ve supported it in this state and have made that happen.

‘‘The Coalition have put in the hard work. It’s not always easy or headline friendly but it’s work to make sure we’re best protected in this area.

‘‘There’s not much chance the smaller parties will be able to form government and Labor will want to rip more water out the area,’’ Mr Evans said.