Labor’s Sandra Carr apologises to Nationals for online post accusing the party of ‘political weaponising’

A Labor politician has apologised to a Nationals staffer after a social media post that accused the latter of “political weaponising” crime in Geraldton. A post from the staff member on a Geraldton community page on Facebook last Friday asked what local businesses were doing to help keep their staff safe and reduce loss, after an incident in the campaign office which she said made her feel unsafe. In a since-deleted post, Agricultural Region MLC Sandra Carr accused Nationals candidate Kirrilee Warr on Facebook of not knowing what was going on in Geraldton regarding local crime. The post shared an image of the original query, with the caption reading: “This post from the Nationals candidate for Geraldton (from Chapman Valley) says it all. No clue what is really going on in our town. Putting out policy and now trying to find out what’s going on in Geraldton. Embarrassing and certainly not ready to represent our region.” Ms Carr conceded she had misread the intention of the staffer’s post, and reached out to apologise. “I had initially interpreted it as yet another pile on that was ‘fishing’ for information and agitating,” she said. “I apologised both privately, and publicly on the original post. We had a good, constructive conversation around concerns about crime, the way it is being discussed and political conduct more generally.” Ms Carr said her post was originally about creating policy without knowing the ins and outs of a given issue. “I am deeply concerned around the political weaponising of the issue of crime, particularly behaviours such as naming and shaming,” she said. “I am also concerned about policy making ‘on the fly’. It really worries me that these behaviours might have unintended consequences for our community or incite a mob mentality. “None of those things will make our community any safer.” Ms Warr said the situation was handled amicably, confirming one of her staffers made the post due to an incident that occurred at their new campaign office. “I’m grateful to the many Geraldton businesses and community members who offered their support and practical advice — your generosity shows the strength of our incredible community as safety is important to us all,” she said. “I also acknowledge Sandra Carr’s public apology following her initial comments. While the situation was disappointing, I believe it’s important to rise above negativity and focus on fostering strong, respectful relationships across our community, regardless of political differences.” The post was made on the same day Labor announced its Vision for Geraldton document, which outlined several ways the party aimed to address crime in the region if re-elected in 2025.