With less than a year to the next state election, potential candidates are gearing up for the campaign.

Held by David Basham, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, the seat of Finniss covers the southern Fleurieu Peninsula.   

Lou Nicholson has put up her hand to stand as an Independent candidate for Finniss in the March 2022 state election, launching a grass-roots campaign called ‘Finniss to the Front’.

“As an alternative to the major parties I will put our people and environment to the front. I want to encourage everyone to speak up and stand up for our electorate.

“Finniss is an environmentally and culturally significant area with strong communities and passionate people. I believe as an Independent I will be able to amplify the voices of our region and be a genuine representative for our community. 

“With a background in health, science, employment, sustainability, small business, and community advocacy, my approach to state parliament will be evidence-based with strong community consultation.”

Lou has started a round of ‘Kitchen Table Collaborations’ to actively discuss what people love about the region, what they want to see added, what they think needs addressing and what they want to preserve.

She says she respects diversity of opinions and ideas and wants to hear from the community on the issues that are important to them. She has established a website and a newsletter. 

“Together we can really stand up for our electorate and make sure the things that WE care about are raised and fought for within state government. 

“I want our electorate to get the attention it deserves. Finniss shouldn’t fall behind Government priorities; I want Finniss to the front and I’ll be loud and clear about that.“

Finniss includes the localities of Back Valley, Currency Creek, Encounter Bay, Finniss, Goolwa, Hayborough, Hindmarsh Island, Hindmarsh Valley, Lower Inman Valley, Middleton, Mount Compass, Port Eliot and Victor Harbor.

At the 2018 state election Finniss included Kangaroo Island, Yankalilla and Myponga, but subsequent boundary changes moved it south and east.

Those areas were moved into the electorate of Mawson, represented by Labor’s Leon Bignell, which also includes McLaren Vale, Willunga and Aldinga.

Strathalbyn sits within the electorate of Heysen, represented by Liberal Josh Teague, while Langhorne Creek and Milang belong to Hammond, represented by Liberal Adrian Pederick.

David Basham won the seat of Finniss comfortably for the Liberal Party at the 2018 election, replacing the retiring MP Michael Pengilly.

SA Best took polled a strong second place, possibly influenced by the overlap with the federal electorate of Mayo, held by Rebekha Sharkie of the associated Centre Alliance.

Full details of state electorates and their representatives can be found on the state electoral commission website.