Former Warren-Blackwood Nationals WA MP Terry Redman honoured for achievements

Former Warren-Blackwood MLA Terry Redman says he’s loving life post-politics as he reflects on the honour of life membership in WA’s National Party awarded this week.

Mr Redman was ousted from his 16-year term in the Legislative Assembly in a shock Labor victory during last year’s State election, but despite that loss, he told the Times the defeat came at a good point in his life and he’d re-embraced life on the land.

“I’ve had my day in the sun,” Mr Redman said.

“I was probably planning on doing one more term. That’s where it was at.

“I didn’t expect to lose. I didn’t want to lose. The silver lining is there’s life after politics.”

After 16 years of life on the road covering the sprawling electorate as well as Parliamentary sittings, Mr Redman has returned to his Denmark roots, resuming management of his 25ha farm which adjoins the original farmholdings owned by his family and still managed by his cousin.

He told the Times his wife Marie and his adult children welcomed his retirement, which let him spend more time with his four grandchildren in Esperance as well as slowing down as he returned to running his beef farm.

The National Party inducted the former party leader into their life membership ranks in a ceremony in Perth last week.

“I was massively chuffed,” Mr Redman said.

“I was caught by surprise and it was really quite emotional.

“For the party to bestow that upon you, it’s really a shared award. There’s a lot of people who walk alongside you in politics.”

Nationals WA State president Tony Crook said the honour was apt recognition for Mr Redman’s investment in the party and stewardship of the landmark Royalties for Regions program which delivered major projects across the State.

“Terry has delivered an unwavering service to the Nationals WA, representing his electorate and regional WA for 16 years as both a Minister and local member,” Mr Crook said.

“Terry was an integral part of the Parliamentary team, taking on the role of deputy leader in 2013 before being elected as leader for the following three years.”

Mia Davies, who replaced Mr Redman in the leadership role, also lauded her colleague’s achievements.

“Terry’s commitment to the Nationals WA has seen the party deliver real outcomes to the people of not only his electorate, but for all of regional WA,” she said.

Mr Redman told the Times he didn’t miss the travel involved in his political life, but he reflected fondly on the numerous people he’d met across the electorate as well as those who directly supported him in his time as a local member.

Apart from his farm work, Mr Redman was keen for a role in the energy or agriculture sector and was particularly interested in carbon farming as a way landowners could help the environment.

He also had a role with the Rural & Regional Advancement Committee of the Mt Burdett Foundation helping develop community projects funded by the legacy of Esperance farmer Chris Reichstein.