Re-elected Labor MP Sandra Carr looks to step up her fight for the region

Despite dwindling support for Labor from voters in regional areas, State upper house member Sandra Carr said she plans on stepping up her fight for the regions in her second term.

Speaking to The Geraldton Guardian, Ms Carr said her role would be different to her first term, but she was up for the challenge following Labor losing the seat of Geraldton in March when Nationals candidate Kirrilee Warr ousted one-term MP Lara Dalton.

“I have predominantly kept a very light touch in Geraldton because that was (Ms Dalton’s) domain, and that means that I will be working a lot harder in this region as well, which is a challenge that I am up for and really looking forward to stepping into,” she said.

“I think we got a lot for Geraldton out of having a local member in government.

“We’ve got more work to do now, more of a challenge, but I will work really hard for Geraldton and to make sure that the information that’s getting out is accurate and is serving the community rather than a political party.”

Despite having to wait six weeks for an official result on the Upper House, Ms Carr said she never doubted earning a second term.

Reflecting on the campaign, she said the result was bittersweet for her.

“It was a really intense campaign, and it was a really tough one, it’s one that seemed to have not always brought out the best in everyone, I don’t think,” she said.

“I was exhausted and a bit disappointed by the end of it, obviously really happy that I’m still around and able to represent, but felt really disappointed for Lara because I know how hard she worked.

“I know the campaign was political rather than factual at times.”

When asked her thoughts on the trend in both the State and Federal elections that saw the regions turn away from Labor — despite significant overall wins — Ms Carr said it was about the Nationals’ ability to “control the narrative”.

Much of the campaign in Geraldton revolved around the idea the regions had been forgotten under Labor, an idea she disputed.

“People were believing that Royalties for Regions doesn’t exist anymore, we have spent so much money in the regions,” she said.

“Even the narrative that ‘Geraldton doesn’t matter’, Geraldton had received more money than any other regional place, in one of the State Budgets we got the biggest spend of $350m for the port.

“It really was about not communicating that message clearly enough and allowing the myth of Royalties for Regions being gone to just be perpetuated regionally.”

Since the election, Ms Carr said her office have been busy, having spoken with many members of the community on a range of topics including crime, cost of living, housing and Oakajee.

One such discussion was the return of the Yamatji Patrol, a visual presence dedicated to assisting young people on the streets, ensuring they are connected to services they need.

She said Police Minister Reece Whitby was receptive to the idea, and was hopeful the service could be reintroduced in some capacity.

The political spotlight largely shines on the Lower House, despite the Upper House having an equally important role to play.

However, when asked if Ms Carr would consider putting her hand up for the seat of Geraldton in four years’ time, she ruled herself out of the equation.

“I’m a worker, I really like working behind the scenes, I don’t really like being the face of something,” she said.

“I think it needs younger, fresher energy, and I will help work with someone to achieve that.

“It’s a long way down the track, but I don’t think that’s in my future.”

Ms Carr said the challenge of representing the whole State as part of the changes to the Legislative Council was an exciting one, saying she was confident her and her 15 Labor colleagues in the Upper House would be able to carry out that responsibility.