Agricultural Region MLC Sandra Carr confident in securing second term after proving dedication to region

Geraldton-based Labor Member for the Agricultural Region Sandra Carr is confident of securing a winnable position on the party’s Upper House ticket after her surprise entry into State politics at the last election. Ms Carr was No.3 on Labor’s Agricultural Region ticket, behind MLCs Darren West and Shelley Payne, at the 2021 election. After Labor’s landslide victory she unexpectedly claimed a seat. She is confident her work over the past three years will lead to another success at next year’s poll. “I feel that I have done everything I possibly can to secure my position,” Ms Carr said. News this week that Mr West plans to retire from politics at the March 2025 election could mean Ms Carr moves up on Labor’s ballot paper. “It’s yet to be decided but obviously it creates a space for a regional person,” said Ms Carr, who is confident her position is winnable. Ms Carr described Mr West as someone who “put in many years and worked really hard as an advocate for regional people. He’s really helped shift the focus of WA Labor to ensure there’s regional representation”. In a previous life, Ms Carr was a high school teacher in Geraldton, but has since turned her focus to waving the flag for the regions and putting the needs of rural residents front of mind for the State Government. One of the ongoing focuses for Ms Carr is improving telecommunications infrastructure and access for regional people. “I think that’s of commercial imperative,” she said. Another priority for Ms Carr is continuing to “push the growth of the renewables sector and the opportunities they present for regional people”. “The community benefit of that looks like being able to secure a slice of the financial pie and applying it in ways that will benefit the broader community,” she said. During the development of the renewables industry in the Mid West, Ms Carr wants to ensure individual proponents are taken care of, with access done respectfully, with adequate consultation. Positions on Labor’s Upper House ballot paper will be finalised by the party’s State council in mid-July.