All five candidates vying for the MacKillop seat have expressed their support for the establishment of radiotherapy services in the Limestone Coast. This consensus emerged during a candidate forum hosted by the Limestone Coast Radiation Treatment Working Group on February 23, 2026, in Mount Gambier. The forum brought together incumbent independent MP Nick McBride, Liberal candidate Rebekah Rosser, Labor candidate Mark Braes, One Nation candidate Jason Virgo, and The Nationals candidate Jonathan Pietzsch.
The working group, chaired by Lachlan Haynes, invited candidates to provide written responses to questions regarding radiotherapy services and the overall health service provision in the region prior to the forum. Each candidate was given two minutes to present their views and an additional three minutes to answer questions from the audience.
Mr. Haynes reported a positive atmosphere at the forum, stating, “All candidates were positive in their overall support for this service in our region and demonstrated a clear understanding of the critically important need for radiotherapy services locally.” He highlighted that South Australia remains the only state without regional radiotherapy services, a gap that must be addressed.
The working group has garnered substantial community support, with over 16,000 signatures collected in a petition advocating for local radiotherapy services. This level of backing underscores the urgency of providing treatment options closer to home for residents battling cancer.
Mr. McBride emphasized the importance of careful planning for the implementation of radiotherapy services. He said, “With our growing and ageing population, it is essential that we continue to expand access to health services locally.” He acknowledged the need for specialized staff and infrastructure, urging that funding and planning should be guided by expert advice to ensure sustainable service delivery without compromising existing healthcare provisions.
Liberal candidate Rebekah Rosser reiterated her party’s commitment to establishing a radiation therapy centre in Mount Gambier, calling the current lack of regional options “inequitable.” She referenced the previous allocation of $4.3 million in federal funding, which the Liberals aim to reinstate, while also recognizing that the service would require approximately $1.5 million per year in operational support. Rosser called for planning and funding agreements to be finalized within the first term of government.
Labor candidate Mark Braes, who was unable to attend the forum, expressed his support in a written statement. He highlighted the need for adequate funding to secure specialist staff and equipment, underscoring the broader investments made by the Malinauskas Labor government in the region’s healthcare system.
One Nation candidate Jason Virgo pledged to work closely with the working group to prioritize radiotherapy services, stating, “I will leverage any power I will gain in Parliament to advocate for this.” He noted that One Nation’s policy aims to return greater decision-making authority to regional health authorities and local hospital boards.
Jonathan Pietzsch of The Nationals remarked on the unacceptability of South Australia being the only state without regional radiotherapy services. He proposed that it would take a commitment of at least $25 million for establishment, based on interstate cost analyses, and expressed confidence that this could be achieved within a three-year timeframe.
Beyond the radiotherapy issue, candidates discussed the importance of enhancing healthcare across the Limestone Coast, focusing on workforce recruitment, expanding specialist services, and ensuring that care is delivered nearer to home. They collectively supported the idea of increasing local representation on the Limestone Coast Local Health Network board, which was seen as a critical step to ensure that decision-makers are attuned to the specific health needs of the community.
As the state election approaches, the working group encourages voters in Mount Gambier and MacKillop to review candidates’ commitments and advocacy on the radiotherapy issue. Mr. Haynes concluded, “We will continue to advocate for this vital service, and with health being a high priority for many constituents, we hope voters will give strong consideration to the candidates’ positions when casting their votes.”
The Limestone Coast Radiation Treatment Working Group remains dedicated to establishing a regional radiotherapy centre, aiming to alleviate the travel burden faced by cancer patients who currently must journey long distances for treatment.
