Coffee with Candidates: Q&A with Liberal candidate and clinical psychologist Tim Milnes

In the lead-up to the 2025 State election, the Geraldton Guardian sat down over coffee with the main candidates vying for the Geraldton seat to gain an insight into the person behind the politician or wannabe politician.

We finish with Liberal candidate Tim Milnes. The clinical psychologist was preselected for the Liberals and says hard work is what will lead to success at the State election.

Q. What’s your coffee order?

Flat white or a short black.

Q. Favourite local cafe?

Quiet Life.

Q. Do you have a nickname?

Not really, just Tim.

Q. What was the last show you binge watched?

Vikings.

Q. Favorite movie?

The Shawshank Redemption.

Q. What’s your religion?

Christian and being at both the Uniting Church and the Anglican Church.

Q. When was the last time you went to church?

Last week.

Q. What’s one club that you’re a member of?

The Australian Psychological Society.

Q. Are you a member of any sporting clubs?

I’ve been a bit too old to play sport now. I played soccer for a long time for Batavia here in town. My kids had played for Abrolhos for a long time, and La Fiamma as well.

Q. What’s been your most embarrassing moment on the campaign trail.

Probably a clash of appointments, meaning that I’ll let some people down and not the others.

Q. What’s the most common thing people have said to you?

People are really worried about crime in Geraldton. The other ones that come up are housing, health, cost of living. But crime, sadly, in Geraldton is a huge issue at the moment and is something that the Liberal Party is the strongest on.

Q. Which candidate would you be happy to sit down and have a coffee with?

All of them. It’s been nice working alongside them this week, all toiling in the hot sun. They’re all nice people.

Q. How has Geraldton changed over the past 10 years?

We’ve had some beautification things that have happened along the foreshore, which has been really pleasing. Unfortunately, we have a rising problem with crime, especially over the last eight years. Sadly, we’ve seen businesses leaving town as well. We used to have more options for people to shop locally.

Q. What is one of the big ticket items most needed for Geraldton’s future?

I’m hoping that we can get a jetty for Geraldton. That’s pretty big on my list.

Q. Do you think that people in Geraldton will be happy with the redeveloped hospital?

Possibly, I think there’ll be more room. But in terms of actual specialist services, I’m unsure about that. We don’t have the detail about exactly what we’re going to be having here in Geraldton that’s added, even with the new mental health beds. The specialist services attached to the new building I think is probably what will be missing.

Q. How much extra a week are you paying for groceries than a few years ago?

At least double.

Q. How would you rate your chances of winning?

It seems to be a tight contest. We’ll wait and see. I’m just working as hard as I can until election day.

Q. Who’s your biggest competition?

I’m really not sure. It’s a really tight race.

Q. What’s the first word that comes to your mind when I say each of these people, beginning with Lara Dalton? Nice. Kirrilee Warr? Polite. Shane Van Styn? Enthusiastic.

Q. What’s the biggest compliment you’ve ever received?

I’m voting for you.

Q. What’s the worst insult thrown your way?

I think as I get older, I’m getting a thicker skin and it doesn’t seem to bother me as much. When I was younger, I probably wouldn’t have said the same thing.

Q. Labor MLC Darren West recently called you a “raging God botherer” on social media. Do comments like those bother you?

Unfortunately, this sort of behavior from one of Labor’s members of Parliament really isn’t surprising. However, while Darren spends his days writing comments on social media, I’m out in my community, speaking to people, firmly focused on fighting for interests at Geraldton.

Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

Life’s a journey, but you can always learn something.

Q. What’s the best lesson you’ve been taught from your parents?

Work hard and put others first.

Q. I think it’d be fair to say that your public profile isn’t as big as some of the other main candidates. Do you think that’s a concern?

No, I’m just focused on my campaign.

Q. What do you think you’ve done to leave a lasting impression?

Giving them a choice, providing a point of difference and a real option for change

Q. How could your role as a psychologist assist you should you be elected?

It’s helped me to learn to listen to people, to really focus on what their concerns are, to put them first, and to realise that everyone comes from a different walk of life.

Q. Politics is often pictured as this battleground with a war of words. Is there a room for a nice guy?

I think so. Someone who listens first, someone who acts in the best interests of others and who puts their community first, and does their best that they can for the people around them and their local community.