September 12, 2024 • 14 mins
With the Liberal Party set to choose a replacement for the retiring Rowan Ramsey, we catch up with the man himself to reflect on his almost two decades representing Grey. Mr Ramsey shares candid insights into his successes, failures, and the issues that still frustrate him. He also offers his thoughts on the future of the electorate and what lies ahead for the next generation of leadership in Grey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
I Heeart Air Peninsula, and that is the danger, and
in fact it's a bit of an insult to those
who live in the country that professionals will say, oh well,
I'm quite happy to come there and service your opporpunity.
But it's quite good I wouldn't want to live there.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
I am Sam Talbert with you for i Heeart Air Peninsula,
your weekly local news wrap for the Air Peninsula and surrounds.
This weekend, the Liberal Party will be voting on who
they want to represent them for the seat of Gray
at next year's federal election. The replacement will take over
from Rowan Ramsey, who announced his retirement a few months
(00:34):
ago after almost two decades as the member for Gray.
So on the eve of his successor being announced, what
better time to reflect on Rowan Ramsey's time in power
and find out what he thinks is going right or
wrong within the electorate. Our conversation started with him explaining
why he's retiring.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
I've turned sixty eight, My wife and all both experienced
care through the last decade.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
We've lost a.
Speaker 1 (01:01):
Number of friends and we've just decided that that's probably
about the time people hang up there, hang up the
stock weapon and give it away, So it's just time
for someone else.
Speaker 3 (01:12):
We need.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
We need to make sure we've got enough time for
each other and your source the rest of our lives
and kick back and enjoy a bit.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
I think. So that's what we'll be doing.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
You'll be going straight into your retirement.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Well, I still got a farm and I've got a
couple other properties that a bit not desperately, but there'll
be some maintenance issues I'll do with that.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
We'll do a bit more travel. We like international travel.
We've got a couple of kids in Victoria.
Speaker 1 (01:35):
We want a little bit more fishing, hopefully with a
lot bigger boat, and maybe play a bit of music.
Somebody would take me in a pub for preps of
charity for an afternoon or something like that. I'll go
and brush up my old skills.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Your old fishing skills, no music skills. And what do
you play? What do you play?
Speaker 3 (01:53):
Well?
Speaker 1 (01:53):
I can do one man and guitar type stuff, and
I do a little bit from time time.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
Keep people entertain. Oh, we'll be keeping that Rowan Ramsey faq.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
That's what I think the name is. In the old days,
it was a week grade and it was fair average quality.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Well, you have plenty of time to work on it.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
Yeah, that's it.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
It was a long time ago since you got elected seven.
How things changed over the last what's it been seventeen years?
Speaker 1 (02:21):
Oh well, it's inevitable that life changes.
Speaker 3 (02:25):
It always has. A technology has increased.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
A lot of things have got better, a lot of things.
Some things have got worse, certainly things like the availability
of medical services in rural areas.
Speaker 3 (02:35):
It's got worse.
Speaker 1 (02:36):
Perhaps even some of the education options have got worse.
And despite best efforts, it's a sort of depopulation thing
we face. But obviously the technology has changed. Things like
mobile phones where all the rage in.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
Two thousand and seven. They still are, but.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
There's a whole lot of other things coming down the
pipeline at the moment, and the electronic platforms we need
all need to log onto just abated re goovernment service
now own the time I've been there. But it's changing, inevitable.
It's not much good sitting.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
Back and yelling I hate it, I hate it.
Speaker 1 (03:06):
You need to get on it and adopt it, and
roll up the sleeves and learn what you have to learn.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
Do you remember how you felt when you first got elected?
Speaker 1 (03:14):
Oh? Gee, that's a tough question. Well, obviously I was
pretty excited, and I don't think anything really prepares you
for the first quiet night in Parliament House when you're
walking along the long corridors on your own go gee whiz,
look where I've ended up. And so that's you should
never never lose. I sent that sense of awe for
(03:37):
the position. But one hundred and nine thousand or something
or other electors in Gray, not all of them obviously,
but put their faith in me to try and represent them.
Speaker 3 (03:45):
So that's always a very.
Speaker 1 (03:47):
Grounding thing and something that I hope I haven't lost
a sight of. And then you've got to learn to
grow into a position. You're work out where all the
toilets and the officers are first, and then you get
on with the job. After that, work exactly how works,
how to get your port of view across and how
to get a committee established for flying to inquiry the
things that are important to you and your electric all
those things are the skills that you will learn on
(04:10):
the job. But it's spent a great challenge and a
great privilege.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
What are some highlights for you over the time you've
been in.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
Power, well, coming into government, obviously you've been part of
a nine year government was very exciting, and to be
able to get closer to government and those government decisions
and how they affect your electric particularly please with them.
The amount where we were able to ramp up investment
and roads and bridges and things like the port Way
(04:37):
foot interchange and all those things have all been very satisfying.
I had a heavy involvement in a country of origin
food labeling inquiry which ended up it's all got new
labels and our supermarket package when we walk down the
aisle and I can pick that up and go yep.
That was my report. That was the report that I
cheered that actually came up with the solutions. The rules
(04:59):
we've got changed around access to education for country kids.
So there was a clamp down on independent youth allowance,
which we've managed to slowly claw back and get a
little bit better than what we were. I've worked very
hard in the area of trying to get more doctors.
Speaker 3 (05:13):
And better healthcare.
Speaker 1 (05:15):
I'd have to say we're still working on that one.
It try as hard as we might, and as many
characters we put in the system, it doesn't seem to
crack them up. But we've got to keep going in
and there was a whole host of things I think
we've done with the Indigenous people, particularly the cash's debit
cards that was incredibly proud of it, which has been
trashed by this government sadly, but it was a lot
(05:36):
of work to get it there and it did a
lot of good. And the recent report which suggests that
it should never have been taken away, my team committed
to bringing it back.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
Well.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
My next question is about low lights, and I guess
it's funny how the two you can sort of be
so close together. It must be frustrating when you get
some things through, when you make a change that you
think is good, only to help the next government reverse
it slightly.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
And this has been a terrible decision that has life
impacting consequences. In fact, to the point of I think
we safely claim that people have lost their lives as
a result of that decision. So I find that infuriating.
And it was against the wishes of the local Indigenous
people that would be taken away in Sogena, not that
it only affected Indigenous people, certainly against the wishes the
(06:22):
word of the community. Another one that I'm incredibly disappointed about,
despite having it through both houses of Parliament is the
abandonment of this government and the court process to establish
the National Radio Device Management Facility in Kimber, my hometown.
I tried to nominate my own farm because I thought,
how could you ask anyone else to dominate? There is
if you weren't prepared to put yours forward. This is
(06:44):
your word before by land that was ruled out for
other reasons. But to go through all that work, all
that process, and lead that community through that process and
then only to have a government just walk away from
it at the first sign of a little bit of
side flat is incredibly disappointing. And there are a number
of other issues I am disappointed in. I see our
(07:06):
electricity system at the moment, it's the most expensive in
the nation, and go these are decisions, bad decisions of
government that have led us to this place. So that's
politics and that's life. There's wins, there's losses, and there's
always opportunities. And you're going to keep your eye on
the horizon and say, well, what's next.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
How do we make this.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
Rowand Ramsey there, who will be retiring the next year's
federal election after about seventeen years at the helm of
Gray Are electorate still to come, though. We'll chat to
him some more and we'll find out the thing that
really infuriates and insults mister Ramsey, and we'll also find
out what he thinks the future of the electorate will be.
Speaker 3 (07:48):
I Heeart Air Peninsula, I Heart Air Peninsula.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Welcome back to iHeart Air Peninsula, your local weekly news
wrap for their peninsula and surrounds. I'm Sam's Albert. Today
we're chatting with the outgoing member for Gray, Rowan Ramsey.
He'll be retiring at the next federal election and the
Liberal Party will be choosing his replacement this weekend, so
what better time than now to catch up with him
(08:16):
for an open and honest chat about all things happening
in the electorate. We'll jump back into the conversation with
mister Ramsey after I asked him what he thinks the
future of Gray will be.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
I think our underlying fundamentals are very strong. Our agricultural
sector will remain the biggest industry. Our fishing and aquaculture
industry will remain strong, albeit they are all under pressure,
particularly the aquaculture industry at the moment, I would say,
and our resources sector will continue to grow so Gray
(08:51):
will continue and will grow as one of the major
funders of this state. Our contribution will be above per
cap above the capita average, if you like, We are
net contributors to the state. The big challenge for me
and whoever follows and all the people, even the Gray,
is making sure that we get our fish share of
(09:11):
the pie. And because of the money is generated in
this electorate, it needs to come back in income and
support and that means investment in our roads, our health system,
our education systems to ensure that we try and grow
the population and gray and not just grow the industries
at the expense of the population. And there's some very
real challenges there for whoever is in government in future.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
Is do you think they might start getting fly in
fly out workers? Is that where you're sort of hinting towards.
Speaker 3 (09:40):
Well, we've already got a plethora of them. They're all
over the place.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
I think Roxby Downs will be the last purpose built
mining town in Australia. And even there there is a
large Phifo population. Moonber has always been Fipho, but even
in places like Whywa, the Fifo there is enormous people
coming in and out at the beginning of the wee
or whatever, whether it be in the main industries or
whether it be in the service industries. We have got
(10:06):
virtually very few medical specialists living in the country, so
as much as people can access them locally, it's a
phire fox population and that is the danger. And in
fact it's a bit of an insult to those of
us live in the country that professionals will say, oh, well,
I'm quite happy to come there and service your community,
but my god, I wouldn't want to live there, and
(10:26):
that's really pretty insulting. I just for those of us
that live in our regional and rural communities. I think
in so many levels, our community and enjoyment and living
where we know our neighbors, we know the people down
the street, and we know the businesses personally is so
much better they're living in the city, but trying to
(10:47):
get their message out it's pretty hard work.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
Looking towards the future, still, someone will need to replace you,
and great, it's a fairly safe liberal seat. Whoever is
the new row on Ramsay likely to become the member.
I think that's fair to say, who do you want
to see replace? You can name a name.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
No, I won't be going down that pathway. There are
five candidates have thrown the ring for it for the
members of the Liberal.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Party in Gray to decide.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
But I do challenge the view that this is a
safe Liberal seat. It could go almost anywhere, but unlikely
to go to Labor. I'll certainly grant that, but it
is an issue for seats where the Labor Party or
the other major party, whichever way it lies.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
Falls away.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
For independent candidates to pull their votes. That type of
behavior could actually threaten what people would think is a
sure thing. That's why as a Liberal I'm very keen
on supporting.
Speaker 3 (11:46):
Whoever the party pre selections.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
Getting on with the job.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
One of the interesting things about Gray just how big
it is. How many Ky's do you reckon?
Speaker 3 (11:55):
You do?
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Have you been everywhere?
Speaker 1 (11:57):
I don't think there's any community that could.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
There would have to be.
Speaker 1 (12:01):
A micro one that I haven't been to. My wife
and I am predominantly mean, but my wife and I
drive about eighty thousand kilometers a year. We have an extensive.
Speaker 3 (12:11):
Like chart of budget.
Speaker 1 (12:13):
I fly to camera twenty times or so a year.
And that might sound like fun until you're on about
a year. Whatever of it it's just it's the job,
and it's no good even even thinking about it away
because it's inseparable from the job. In my opinion, it's
a lot bigger long distance truct driver. If you don't
like driving long distances, or don't be a long distance
truc driver, or if you can't handle the travel, don't
(12:36):
be the member. For Gray, the bigger challenge, I think,
though it's actually been across the issues are such a
vast area. Are the different communities twenty seven, different councils
twenty seven they are CEOs, the enormous diversity of industry
and what drives everything from irrigating and horticulture on Mandelaid
planes to the mining and the pastoral leases of the outback,
(12:56):
every remote indigenous community in South Australia.
Speaker 3 (13:00):
Gray, I'd like to think I've pretty much.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
Visited, certainly anything over one hundred people regularly, and many
times some micro ones up on the lens at what
they call home lands. Maybe I haven't got to, but
been pretty much eire.
Speaker 2 (13:14):
And final question, how do you want to be remembered
as a politician? Is there a legacy you want to
have left behind?
Speaker 3 (13:22):
Oh? Gee, that's a bit tough, tough one.
Speaker 1 (13:25):
I reckon all Australian males at least, and perhaps.
Speaker 3 (13:29):
Of the terminology brought me a different for a female.
But he was a good bloke. Would be a bad way,
I'd be pleased with.
Speaker 1 (13:35):
That's amation. I think that's an Australian compliment. I hope
that some people will afford me that that I tried hard.
I feel as I've given it all I got, you know,
flat out the whole time.
Speaker 3 (13:47):
Be lovely.
Speaker 1 (13:47):
People recognize that.
Speaker 3 (13:48):
I think they probably do.
Speaker 1 (13:49):
People have been very generous to me, have I've been
out publicly and written to me. All kinds of letters
have corresponds since I announced that I would not be
standing the next collection. I thank them all very much
for that coin which.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
Is member for Gray Rowan Ramsey there and of course
we'll keep you up today with the latest political movements
as they happen. Of course, his replacement being announced very soon.
For more news, though search iHeart Air Peninsula on the
iHeart Apple wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Sam Talbot.
Catch you next time for more local, trusted and free news.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
Iheartair Peninsula
I Heeart Air Peninsula, and that is the danger, and
in fact it's a bit of an insult to those
who live in the country that professionals will say, oh well,
I'm quite happy to come there and service your opporpunity.
But it's quite good I wouldn't want to live there.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
I am Sam Talbert with you for i Heeart Air Peninsula,
your weekly local news wrap for the Air Peninsula and surrounds.
This weekend, the Liberal Party will be voting on who
they want to represent them for the seat of Gray
at next year's federal election. The replacement will take over
from Rowan Ramsey, who announced his retirement a few months
(00:34):
ago after almost two decades as the member for Gray.
So on the eve of his successor being announced, what
better time to reflect on Rowan Ramsey's time in power
and find out what he thinks is going right or
wrong within the electorate. Our conversation started with him explaining
why he's retiring.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
I've turned sixty eight, My wife and all both experienced
care through the last decade.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
We've lost a.
Speaker 1 (01:01):
Number of friends and we've just decided that that's probably
about the time people hang up there, hang up the
stock weapon and give it away, So it's just time
for someone else.
Speaker 3 (01:12):
We need.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
We need to make sure we've got enough time for
each other and your source the rest of our lives
and kick back and enjoy a bit.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
I think. So that's what we'll be doing.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
You'll be going straight into your retirement.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Well, I still got a farm and I've got a
couple other properties that a bit not desperately, but there'll
be some maintenance issues I'll do with that.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
We'll do a bit more travel. We like international travel.
We've got a couple of kids in Victoria.
Speaker 1 (01:35):
We want a little bit more fishing, hopefully with a
lot bigger boat, and maybe play a bit of music.
Somebody would take me in a pub for preps of
charity for an afternoon or something like that. I'll go
and brush up my old skills.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Your old fishing skills, no music skills. And what do
you play? What do you play?
Speaker 3 (01:53):
Well?
Speaker 1 (01:53):
I can do one man and guitar type stuff, and
I do a little bit from time time.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
Keep people entertain. Oh, we'll be keeping that Rowan Ramsey faq.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
That's what I think the name is. In the old days,
it was a week grade and it was fair average quality.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Well, you have plenty of time to work on it.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
Yeah, that's it.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
It was a long time ago since you got elected seven.
How things changed over the last what's it been seventeen years?
Speaker 1 (02:21):
Oh well, it's inevitable that life changes.
Speaker 3 (02:25):
It always has. A technology has increased.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
A lot of things have got better, a lot of things.
Some things have got worse, certainly things like the availability
of medical services in rural areas.
Speaker 3 (02:35):
It's got worse.
Speaker 1 (02:36):
Perhaps even some of the education options have got worse.
And despite best efforts, it's a sort of depopulation thing
we face. But obviously the technology has changed. Things like
mobile phones where all the rage in.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
Two thousand and seven. They still are, but.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
There's a whole lot of other things coming down the
pipeline at the moment, and the electronic platforms we need
all need to log onto just abated re goovernment service
now own the time I've been there. But it's changing, inevitable.
It's not much good sitting.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
Back and yelling I hate it, I hate it.
Speaker 1 (03:06):
You need to get on it and adopt it, and
roll up the sleeves and learn what you have to learn.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
Do you remember how you felt when you first got elected?
Speaker 1 (03:14):
Oh? Gee, that's a tough question. Well, obviously I was
pretty excited, and I don't think anything really prepares you
for the first quiet night in Parliament House when you're
walking along the long corridors on your own go gee whiz,
look where I've ended up. And so that's you should
never never lose. I sent that sense of awe for
(03:37):
the position. But one hundred and nine thousand or something
or other electors in Gray, not all of them obviously,
but put their faith in me to try and represent them.
Speaker 3 (03:45):
So that's always a very.
Speaker 1 (03:47):
Grounding thing and something that I hope I haven't lost
a sight of. And then you've got to learn to
grow into a position. You're work out where all the
toilets and the officers are first, and then you get
on with the job. After that, work exactly how works,
how to get your port of view across and how
to get a committee established for flying to inquiry the
things that are important to you and your electric all
those things are the skills that you will learn on
(04:10):
the job. But it's spent a great challenge and a
great privilege.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
What are some highlights for you over the time you've
been in.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
Power, well, coming into government, obviously you've been part of
a nine year government was very exciting, and to be
able to get closer to government and those government decisions
and how they affect your electric particularly please with them.
The amount where we were able to ramp up investment
and roads and bridges and things like the port Way
(04:37):
foot interchange and all those things have all been very satisfying.
I had a heavy involvement in a country of origin
food labeling inquiry which ended up it's all got new
labels and our supermarket package when we walk down the
aisle and I can pick that up and go yep.
That was my report. That was the report that I
cheered that actually came up with the solutions. The rules
(04:59):
we've got changed around access to education for country kids.
So there was a clamp down on independent youth allowance,
which we've managed to slowly claw back and get a
little bit better than what we were. I've worked very
hard in the area of trying to get more doctors.
Speaker 3 (05:13):
And better healthcare.
Speaker 1 (05:15):
I'd have to say we're still working on that one.
It try as hard as we might, and as many
characters we put in the system, it doesn't seem to
crack them up. But we've got to keep going in
and there was a whole host of things I think
we've done with the Indigenous people, particularly the cash's debit
cards that was incredibly proud of it, which has been
trashed by this government sadly, but it was a lot
(05:36):
of work to get it there and it did a
lot of good. And the recent report which suggests that
it should never have been taken away, my team committed
to bringing it back.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
Well.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
My next question is about low lights, and I guess
it's funny how the two you can sort of be
so close together. It must be frustrating when you get
some things through, when you make a change that you
think is good, only to help the next government reverse
it slightly.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
And this has been a terrible decision that has life
impacting consequences. In fact, to the point of I think
we safely claim that people have lost their lives as
a result of that decision. So I find that infuriating.
And it was against the wishes of the local Indigenous
people that would be taken away in Sogena, not that
it only affected Indigenous people, certainly against the wishes the
(06:22):
word of the community. Another one that I'm incredibly disappointed about,
despite having it through both houses of Parliament is the
abandonment of this government and the court process to establish
the National Radio Device Management Facility in Kimber, my hometown.
I tried to nominate my own farm because I thought,
how could you ask anyone else to dominate? There is
if you weren't prepared to put yours forward. This is
(06:44):
your word before by land that was ruled out for
other reasons. But to go through all that work, all
that process, and lead that community through that process and
then only to have a government just walk away from
it at the first sign of a little bit of
side flat is incredibly disappointing. And there are a number
of other issues I am disappointed in. I see our
(07:06):
electricity system at the moment, it's the most expensive in
the nation, and go these are decisions, bad decisions of
government that have led us to this place. So that's
politics and that's life. There's wins, there's losses, and there's
always opportunities. And you're going to keep your eye on
the horizon and say, well, what's next.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
How do we make this.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
Rowand Ramsey there, who will be retiring the next year's
federal election after about seventeen years at the helm of
Gray Are electorate still to come, though. We'll chat to
him some more and we'll find out the thing that
really infuriates and insults mister Ramsey, and we'll also find
out what he thinks the future of the electorate will be.
Speaker 3 (07:48):
I Heeart Air Peninsula, I Heart Air Peninsula.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Welcome back to iHeart Air Peninsula, your local weekly news
wrap for their peninsula and surrounds. I'm Sam's Albert. Today
we're chatting with the outgoing member for Gray, Rowan Ramsey.
He'll be retiring at the next federal election and the
Liberal Party will be choosing his replacement this weekend, so
what better time than now to catch up with him
(08:16):
for an open and honest chat about all things happening
in the electorate. We'll jump back into the conversation with
mister Ramsey after I asked him what he thinks the
future of Gray will be.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
I think our underlying fundamentals are very strong. Our agricultural
sector will remain the biggest industry. Our fishing and aquaculture
industry will remain strong, albeit they are all under pressure,
particularly the aquaculture industry at the moment, I would say,
and our resources sector will continue to grow so Gray
(08:51):
will continue and will grow as one of the major
funders of this state. Our contribution will be above per
cap above the capita average, if you like, We are
net contributors to the state. The big challenge for me
and whoever follows and all the people, even the Gray,
is making sure that we get our fish share of
(09:11):
the pie. And because of the money is generated in
this electorate, it needs to come back in income and
support and that means investment in our roads, our health system,
our education systems to ensure that we try and grow
the population and gray and not just grow the industries
at the expense of the population. And there's some very
real challenges there for whoever is in government in future.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
Is do you think they might start getting fly in
fly out workers? Is that where you're sort of hinting towards.
Speaker 3 (09:40):
Well, we've already got a plethora of them. They're all
over the place.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
I think Roxby Downs will be the last purpose built
mining town in Australia. And even there there is a
large Phifo population. Moonber has always been Fipho, but even
in places like Whywa, the Fifo there is enormous people
coming in and out at the beginning of the wee
or whatever, whether it be in the main industries or
whether it be in the service industries. We have got
(10:06):
virtually very few medical specialists living in the country, so
as much as people can access them locally, it's a
phire fox population and that is the danger. And in
fact it's a bit of an insult to those of
us live in the country that professionals will say, oh, well,
I'm quite happy to come there and service your community,
but my god, I wouldn't want to live there, and
(10:26):
that's really pretty insulting. I just for those of us
that live in our regional and rural communities. I think
in so many levels, our community and enjoyment and living
where we know our neighbors, we know the people down
the street, and we know the businesses personally is so
much better they're living in the city, but trying to
(10:47):
get their message out it's pretty hard work.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
Looking towards the future, still, someone will need to replace you,
and great, it's a fairly safe liberal seat. Whoever is
the new row on Ramsay likely to become the member.
I think that's fair to say, who do you want
to see replace? You can name a name.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
No, I won't be going down that pathway. There are
five candidates have thrown the ring for it for the
members of the Liberal.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Party in Gray to decide.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
But I do challenge the view that this is a
safe Liberal seat. It could go almost anywhere, but unlikely
to go to Labor. I'll certainly grant that, but it
is an issue for seats where the Labor Party or
the other major party, whichever way it lies.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
Falls away.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
For independent candidates to pull their votes. That type of
behavior could actually threaten what people would think is a
sure thing. That's why as a Liberal I'm very keen
on supporting.
Speaker 3 (11:46):
Whoever the party pre selections.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
Getting on with the job.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
One of the interesting things about Gray just how big
it is. How many Ky's do you reckon?
Speaker 3 (11:55):
You do?
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Have you been everywhere?
Speaker 1 (11:57):
I don't think there's any community that could.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
There would have to be.
Speaker 1 (12:01):
A micro one that I haven't been to. My wife
and I am predominantly mean, but my wife and I
drive about eighty thousand kilometers a year. We have an extensive.
Speaker 3 (12:11):
Like chart of budget.
Speaker 1 (12:13):
I fly to camera twenty times or so a year.
And that might sound like fun until you're on about
a year. Whatever of it it's just it's the job,
and it's no good even even thinking about it away
because it's inseparable from the job. In my opinion, it's
a lot bigger long distance truct driver. If you don't
like driving long distances, or don't be a long distance
truc driver, or if you can't handle the travel, don't
(12:36):
be the member. For Gray, the bigger challenge, I think,
though it's actually been across the issues are such a
vast area. Are the different communities twenty seven, different councils
twenty seven they are CEOs, the enormous diversity of industry
and what drives everything from irrigating and horticulture on Mandelaid
planes to the mining and the pastoral leases of the outback,
(12:56):
every remote indigenous community in South Australia.
Speaker 3 (13:00):
Gray, I'd like to think I've pretty much.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
Visited, certainly anything over one hundred people regularly, and many
times some micro ones up on the lens at what
they call home lands. Maybe I haven't got to, but
been pretty much eire.
Speaker 2 (13:14):
And final question, how do you want to be remembered
as a politician? Is there a legacy you want to
have left behind?
Speaker 3 (13:22):
Oh? Gee, that's a bit tough, tough one.
Speaker 1 (13:25):
I reckon all Australian males at least, and perhaps.
Speaker 3 (13:29):
Of the terminology brought me a different for a female.
But he was a good bloke. Would be a bad way,
I'd be pleased with.
Speaker 1 (13:35):
That's amation. I think that's an Australian compliment. I hope
that some people will afford me that that I tried hard.
I feel as I've given it all I got, you know,
flat out the whole time.
Speaker 3 (13:47):
Be lovely.
Speaker 1 (13:47):
People recognize that.
Speaker 3 (13:48):
I think they probably do.
Speaker 1 (13:49):
People have been very generous to me, have I've been
out publicly and written to me. All kinds of letters
have corresponds since I announced that I would not be
standing the next collection. I thank them all very much
for that coin which.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
Is member for Gray Rowan Ramsey there and of course
we'll keep you up today with the latest political movements
as they happen. Of course, his replacement being announced very soon.
For more news, though search iHeart Air Peninsula on the
iHeart Apple wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Sam Talbot.
Catch you next time for more local, trusted and free news.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
Iheartair Peninsula
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.