Geoff Brock MP

Minister for Regional Roads

Minister for Local Government

Minister for Veteran Affairs

Thursday, 24 March 2022

Independent MP Geoff Brock welcomes Ministerial appointment

Independent MP Geoff Brock has welcomed his appointment as Minister for Regional Roads, Local Government, and Veteran Affairs as part of the new Malinauskas Labor Government.

Regional roads and local councils are crucial to the State’s economy and building stronger and more connected communities.

Minister Brock has lived in regional South Australia most of his working life, including holding the office of Mayor of Port Pirie, so he knows first-hand how critical, safe and reliable roads are to the livelihood and productivity of regional communities.

With more than 12,600 kilometres of sealed regional road network – from the major highways linking our towns and cities, to the roads that service agricultural production and freight – Minister Brock will work closely with communities, local government, and industry.

That will include making sure road improvements are delivered to a high standard and with minimal disruption.

Minister Brock will also work with the Federal Government on initiatives like the Roads of Strategic Importance program (ROSI) that aims to deliver improvements to freight movements, support regional economic growth and connectivity, and improved safety for all road users.

For the first time, under a Malinauskas Government Local Government will have a seat at the Cabinet table with Premier Malinauskas committing to having the LGA attend cabinet meetings on a quarterly basis.

South Australia’s 68 local councils employ tens of thousands of people, manage billions in assets, and spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year on providing infrastructure, facilities and services to local communities across the State.

Over the coming months, Minister Brock will meet with local government peak bodies, joint organisations, and mayors and general managers from metropolitan and regional councils to hear their views and concerns firsthand.

With the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide set to provide an interim report later this year and a final report next year, working with Veterans organisations and providing support will be more important than ever.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Roads, Local Government and Veteran Affairs Geoff Brock

I look forward to providing a strong focus on regional issues and improve the condition of regional roads.

As a former Mayor, I am only too aware of what is required to do a good job at the level of government closest to the community.

I plan to work closely with South Australia’s 68 councils, collaborating with them to identify wats to better serve local communities.

One of my first priorities, as Minister for Veteran Affairs, will be to ensure upcoming ANZAC Day commemoration proceed in a COVID-safe way but ensure South Australians can pay their respects on this important day.

I am honoured to be appointed to these key portfolios and I serve the people of South Australia to the best of my abilities.