This week I headed to Aldinga to meet my local State MP.

Leon Bignell has represented the State seat of Mawson since 2006. It’s a diverse and large electorate that covers 6,000 square kilometres of the south-western Fleurieu Peninsula and also includes Kangaroo Island. In the election in March, Leon won what had previously been the State’s second most marginal seat comfortably with a huge 15 per cent swing.

I’m at his office to try to get to know the man, rather than the politician. That’s easier said than done though. Electioneering done, is not job done. Ensuring that campaign commitments for Mawson are on track has consumed much of his time over the last two months. Keeping promises is one of the secrets of his success Leon suggests. He’s obviously on-board with that old adage that all politics are local. Leon also became popular for his role in the passage of the Character Preservation Act. The 2012 legislation recognises the special character of McLaren Vale and its surrounding districts and provides statutory protection from unfettered urban development and prevents valuable agricultural land being sub-divided.

Descended from early Irish settlers, Leon spent his early years at Glencoe, a small town between Mount Gambier and Millicent. His family later moved to Adelaide, where he completed his schooling. One thing that struck me about Leon was the early certainty about what he wanted to do in life. Journalism and politics were his two abiding passions. He had work experience while still at school as a copy boy at the Adelaide News and the spark was lit. Leaving school before finishing year 12, it was the start of the journey for the Leon the public knows. He was a journalist for 20 years including two years working in Switzerland as a foreign correspondent. Leon the journalist may be best-known for his time as an ABC reporter. He became a media adviser for the ALP in 2001. And, the rest they say, is history.

More revealing for me about Leon are his responses to our Fleurieu-focused top tips and suggestions.

Best place to ...

●     Grab a quick bite … any bakery. Leon won’t be pinned down on a favourite.

●     Have a more serious or celebratory feed … The Salopian Inn at McLaren Vale, just around the corner from where he lives.

●     Get a cuppa … as part of his job really, he “shares the love”. Coffee shops are much better places than an Electorate Office to keep his office hours and meet his constituents.

●     Taste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere) ... Leon strongly recommends trying the Grenache. It’s more complex than the Shiraz that make McLaren Vale and McLaren Flat famous, with the result that the wineries try to out do each other to produce the perfect drop.

●     Explore nature or just going for a walk … As with his trusty companion, Dusty, exercising is not his thing.

Dusty is a KI bushfire refugee adopted by Leon. Rather than sausage rolls, Dusty apparently prefers Monte Carlos. He sprang to fame for his visits to Parliament House.

When on the Fleurieu or KI, he …

Loves … the beautiful natural environment and the turn of the seasons. The premium food and wines, of course.

Weirdest thing that’s happened to Leon here:

His first-ever day door-knocking with his son. The first house he approached had a Gone Fishin’ sign on the front door. But the occupant was clearly visible inside with the telly on full-blast. After knocking on the door, the said occupant cries out “can’t you read?!”. Welcome to politics, son.

Best memory of being here:

And, likely the worst memory for others. The bushfires. Pitching in and being of service to others. The pinnacle of his career in his view.

Most colourful character Leon has run into:

Not a politician, but Philip White at McLaren Flat. Geologist, muso, journalist and noted wine writer. A mentor in many ways to Leon.

My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region:

Leon doesn’t burst into song but he recalls the lyrics from Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi… “you don't know what you've got, till it's gone”. Come, enjoy and appreciate our region, folks.

More about Leon, and Dusty

Leon’s Facebook page

Dusty

The final word …

I break a promise to myself and return to politics. I’m wondering whether Leon despairs about the fractious nature of modern politics. The recent one-third/one-third/one-third vote count and the possible paralysis that might ensue. Leon brushes this aside and says there are 20 per cent rusted on voters for each major party and the other 60 per cent are undecided. It simply means that politicians need to work hard to engage with the community at the grassroots level. Perfect, he adds.