WA Labor Locks In Georgia Tree for Secret Harbour By-Election: Local Roots Meet Industry Experience
As Paul Papalia steps down, Labor’s new candidate relies on deep Warnbro roots, government relations experience, and a pro-gas stance to hold the crucial southern suburbs seat.
Wade McColl (22/07/2026)
Georgia Tree Labour’s Secret Harbour By-Election Candidate. Photo: Supplied by Sophie Elliott Labour Campaign & Media.
The political landscape in Perth’s southern coastal strip has shifted into high gear following WA Labor’s official preselection of Georgia Tree as candidate for the Secret Harbour by-election. The vacancy comes after veteran MP Paul Papalia announced his resignation, triggering what is expected to be a high-stakes campaign for the seat.
Deep Local Connections
Tree grew up in Warnbro and attended Warnbro Community High School. Following the loss of her mother to cancer when Tree was nine years old, she was raised by her father, who worked night shifts as an electrician at Alcoa on a single income.
Despite facing financial headwinds, she went on to Curtin University, becoming one of only five students from her high school graduating class to pursue higher education.
Commenting on her background, Tree pointed to essential public services as instrumental to her upbringing:
"Our community deserves the same opportunities as those that live in the city and someone in the room where decisions are made," Tree said. "The Mandurah Line meant I could get to university and Medicare meant my Mum could get treatment at a public hospital while we lived off a single income."
Outgoing MP Paul Papalia endorsed Tree’s candidacy, citing a 15-year connection:
"I’ve known Georgia for 15 years, and I know she will work tirelessly to serve our community," Papalia stated. "I know what it takes to stand up for this community as a Member of Parliament, and I know Georgia is exactly what we need."
Industry Background and Energy Stance
Georgia Tree Labour’s Secret Harbour By-Election Candidate standing with Madeleine King MP. Photo: Sourced through Facebook.
Beyond her upbringing, Tree has compiled an extensive corporate and political resume. Her career includes working in the office of Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King, serving as a government relations staffer for energy giant Woodside, and authoring published work.
This resource-sector background brought immediate scrutiny during her initial candidate press conference, where Tree was asked directly if she supported the gas industry. Her response was clear: "Yes."
For local voters, balancing a candidate's industry ties with local environmental and economic priorities will be a key point of evaluation throughout the campaign.
A Tightly Contested Campaign Ahead
Premier Roger Cook expressed full backing for Tree, describing her as deeply connected to the local electorate. However, Labor faces a tough contest to retain the electorate. Both the Liberal Party and One Nation are mounting aggressive campaign strategies in the area, aiming to capitalise on shifting local sentiment.
With local transport, cost of living, healthcare access, and energy transition taking center stage, Secret Harbour residents can expect intense campaign activity in the coming weeks ahead of polling day.