Sophie McNeill almost guaranteed spot in parliament as Greens’ Upper House candidates revealed

A fierce opponent of the State’s multibillion-dollar gas industry who has also been vocal in her criticism of Israel looks destined to become a kingmaker in WA politics. Greens politician Sophie McNeill secured the second spot on the ticket for the Legislative Council after the party’s preselection, all but guaranteeing her a seat in parliament. Due to the McGowan government’s reforms to the 37-member Legislative Council, parties will pick up one seat for every 2.7 per cent of the vote they attract at the next State election. At the 2021 election, the Greens secured 6.9 per cent, so if they replicated this performance Ms McNeill will be in. Currently Brad Pettitt is the Greens’ only MP and he remains No. 1 on the ticket. While Labor is likely to win a third term, with the Greens predicting that it could grab as many as six seats, the party will likely have a major say in what legislation passes and in what form. This could mean major amendments to Bills as seen with the Greens in the Federal Parliament. The party has had a major influence nationally on IR laws and emissions regulations. Ms McNeill — a former ABC journalist who works for the Conservation Council and Human Rights Watch — claimed some in WA Labor had told her they were excited about the Greens being in a position to pressure the Government. “They’re excited to have a real opposition that will hopefully get their party to deliver on the things that they want,” she said. “I think what we’ve seen from this Government is that there’s been no desire for them to negotiate — and no need to. “For me the desire is to hold them to account and to ensure that our human rights are upheld in this State because it’s not happening right now.” Ms McNeill blasted the Cook Government for approving new fossil fuel projects, failing to enact the Equal Opportunities Act and keeping kids incarcerated at Unit 18. Last week, she took to social media to praise attendees of the School Strike for Gaza, saying: “How are we meant to teach our kids right from wrong when they’re witnessing world leaders committing & aiding war crimes with absolute impunity?” Dr Pettitt said he was excited to potentially become part of a larger team. “Labor will be better when they’re forced to negotiate legislation and we can push them toward towards being more progressive than they have been this term,” he said. “They’ve been a very cautious and conservative government over the last four years.” Tim Clifford is in the third spot and Conservation Council executive director Jess Beckerling placed fourth. Diane Evers — who along with Mr Clifford was elected in 2017 but lost in the 2021 Labor landslide — may return in 2025, depending on how the Greens perform. Greens Institute campaigner Clint Uink, took the sixth spot on the ticket, but will only be elected if the left-wing party smashes all expectations. He would be the first Aboriginal Greens MP in the WA Parliament. The Greens plan to announce candidates for key seats in the Legislative Assembly and in lower house seats at a Federal level in May.