Geraldton MLA Kirrilee Warr delivers inaugural speech to State Parliament, vows to put community first

Geraldton MLA Kirrilee Warr has delivered her inaugural speech to State Parliament, vowing to put the community first over the next four years.

Ms Warr spoke from the heart on Tuesday, saying she stepped into Parliament to represent the community and give a voice to those who needed it most.

“I come into this role not claiming to have all the answers, but with a curious mind, an open heart and a fierce commitment to listen, learn and lead,” she said.

“To me, politics is about service above self. It’s about community and people. It’s about amplifying the voices of working individuals, families, young people, people with disabilities, Aboriginal communities, LGBTIQ people, culturally diverse groups and seniors.

“Those voices must be heard, respected and valued in every decision we make.”

The Chapman Valley farmer told Parliament she had only ever called three postcodes home, and grew up with a community mindset and the value of hard work.

She said her parents, Shirley and Milton Mincherton, had been role models through their acts of service and having an attitude of getting things done with whatever resources were available.

While Ms Warr spent some time away from the Mid West due to study, she returned to the region in the 2000s.

Since then, she said she saw many changes but was hopeful of what was to come.

Oakajee and the Abrolhos Islands were some of the areas she highlighted as key, but the right investment would be needed to ensure the related industries thrived.

“Geraldton is a region full of opportunity, strategically positioned to unlock its full potential and build a prosperous future,” she said.

“As the member for Geraldton, I’m committed to championing the issues that matter most to our community, the concerns I hear every day, the priorities I can campaign to address.”

Ms Warr vowed to fight for access to health care, affordable housing, education, better roads and improved services like telecommunications.

However, crime was the big issue she aimed to tackle, saying people deserved to feel safe.

“We must tackle crime at its roots by addressing the underlying causes and properly funding local police with permanent rapid response teams in place,” she said.

“Building trust between residents and law enforcement through strong community programs is essential, alongside action to combat antisocial behaviour and create safe public spaces.

“Everyone deserves the Geraldton we remember where children played freely, neighbours watched without fear, and homes were places of true safety.”

Ms Warr thanked various family and friends to conclude, and was met with a warm reception in Parliament once she had finished her speech.