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
I’m very proud to have lived and worked across the Grey electorate my whole life.
Standing up for this region is something I’ve been doing for decades – it didn’t just start when I started my election campaign to represent you in federal parliament.
I’ve spent most of my career working in local government, education and natural resource management and although my job title might have changed over the years, I have dedicated my life to advocating for better services for our communities, more equitable funding that reflects our challenges and more sensible policy that actually meets our needs.
Most recently I was CEO of Uni Hub Spencer Gulf, before stepping aside to run for parliament. This was a return to the education sector after many years following a short time as a young, graduate high school teacher in the region.
Much of my early career was in the natural resource management sector, managing grants and program delivery in the Eyre Peninsula and Northern & Yorke regions.
I spent many years in local government - including as Executive Officer of Spencer Gulf Cities Association, working with the Whyalla, Port Augusta and Port Pirie Councils; and the Central Local Government Region of Councils, an alliance of 15 Councils across the Mid North, Yorke Peninsula, Adelaide Plains and Southern Flinders districts.
I have also been fortunate to have worked with regional communities and local councils more broadly across the state and nation, including as a senior researcher and facilitator with the Regional Australia Institute and the coordinator of the South Australian Coastal Councils Alliance. I also had the privilege of working with former Federal Member for Grey, Barry Wakelin for a few years.
I have a degree in applied science, graduate qualifications in education and a masters degree in business management and my life has been shaped by a wide range of experiences including working in family farming and retail businesses and service with the Australian Army Reserves (10/27 Royal South Australia Regiment).
I’ve also been involved in a number of boards and committees over the years, including the SA Coast Protection Board and environmental charity Trees for Life. I was involved many years ago with the first Eyre Peninsula Catchment board and very recently as President of the Port Pirie gymnastics club.
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.