I grew up on our small family farm near Clare before heading off to Roseworthy College for uni. I’ve spent most of my life working in Grey, from Ceduna and Wudinna, Crystal Brook and the Upper Spencer Gulf – this region is home.
What we all know in this region is that for too long, decisions about our future have been made by people who don't live here, and that needs to change.
There are so many fantastic opportunities for growth right across our electorate, but they need to be led with and for locals – so they suit our needs, our goals, our values. Right now, we often see big companies or major projects come to town, fly in a workforce from somewhere else, throw some money at a few local activities, and think that's enough. We deserve better than that. We have to get it right.
That's why I'm running as an Independent. I won't be told how to vote by party bosses. I'll have one job: fighting for what's fair and what's good for our region.
Anita's story
Anita Kuss learned about the value of hard work early her family's small vineyard near Clare. Those early life lessons about responsibility, getting on with what needed to be done and not letting people down – have shaped her approach to getting things done.
Career
After studying natural resource management at Roseworthy College, followed by qualifications in teaching and business management, Anita's career has taken her right across Grey. She's lived and worked in the Mid North, Ceduna and Wudinna on the Eyre Peninsula, Port Augusta and the Southern Flinders, where she still lives today. This has given her a real understanding of what makes our communities tick.
Throughout her career, Anita has been a constant voice for our region. Working with local councils, she's helped bring mayors and communities together to make sure regional voices get heard in Adelaide and Canberra. She's worked to protect our coast, supported Landcare and revegetation efforts and helped councils secure road funding and tackle climate change and land-use challenges.
Until stepping aside to run for Grey, Anita led Uni Hub Spencer Gulf, helping to ‘grow our own’ local skilled workforce and make university education possible for people who can't pack up and move to Adelaide. Starting with just 14 students in Port Pirie in 2019, Uni Hub now supports over 500 students across five locations. It's a great example of what Anita has learned over the years: good ideas can come from any side of politics, but they work best when local communities have a real say in how they’re implemented.
An Independent voice for our region
Anita's seen too many government programs fail because they weren't designed with the community. As an Independent, she'll back good ideas from any side of politics, but always with a focus on making sure they're fair and they actually work for our region.
Living near Port Pirie, Anita stays active in the community through a range of sports and activities, including the local gymnastics club and ballet school. She's the proud mum of two daughters who give her hope for the future – one working in government in Adelaide, the other in mining at Roxby Downs. Anita is passionate about making sure our region can make the most of future opportunities while protecting what makes our communities special.