Mid West-Gascoyne traffic police boss George Tilbury takes road to politics after improving safety in region

The head of Geraldton’s traffic police, who has been instrumental in enhancing road safety across the Mid West-Gascoyne district, has announced his departure to pursue a political career. Two years ago, when Sgt George Tilbury was appointed as the boss of traffic police, he promised to clamp down on drug driving and increase police presence on regional roads. Under his leadership, the district saw a 30 per cent increase in drug testing capabilities, with additional training provided to qualify more police officers and equip their stations for drug testing. These efforts resulted in a strike rate of 56 per cent for targeted positive drug testing - the highest in the State. Previously, there was a strike rate of 16 per cent. Sgt Tilbury said drug use was a major casual factor in fatal and serious road crashes and cracking down on drug driving was a high priority during his tenure. He says fatal and serious crashes have declined in the Mid West-Gascoyne over the last two years. According to the Road Safety Commission, there were 67 incidents in the region in 2021, 28 in 2020 and 65 in 2019. In 2022, there were 60 serious or fatal crashes and 57 in 2023. Sgt Tilbury put the decrease down to a heightened police presence on major arterial roads and a stringent approach towards traffic offenders. He said it was important those strategies remain intact as he moved on, that traffic policing remained a priority and the unit was fully staffed. “My team and I have worked tirelessly to target high risk traffic offenders in our district for the last two years,” Sgt Tilbury said. “I am very proud we now have the best strike rate in the State for targeted drug testing, which yielded us significant results. “Recidivist offenders who wouldn’t hesitate to do stupid things on our roads, now think twice, as they know there are consequences for their actions with me in charge. “I have always been firm, but fair and leave Geraldton knowing our roads are much safer than when I arrived due to my successful road policing strategies.” Sgt Tilbury finished his tenure at the Geraldton police station on Friday. He will resign from WA Police to pursue a career in politics, running as the WA Liberal Party candidate for the seat of Forrestfield in Perth’s eastern suburbs at the 2025 State election. He has been a police officer for 33 years and was president of the WA Police Union between 2012-2018. While he has enjoyed living and working in the Mid West-Gascoyne and making a difference in the community, he said he looked forward to being home with his family and was excited about what the future held. “I thank the community for its support, which is greatly appreciated,” he said. “If things were different, I wouldn’t hesitate to continue living in Geraldton, as I love the people, the place, and the lifestyle.” Sgt Tilbury ran for Forrestfield in 2021, but support for then-premier Mark McGowan saw Labor hold the seat for a second term with more than three-quarters of the two-party preferred vote. His preselection will almost ensure a rematch against Labor MP Stephen Price.