Ahead of the 2025 Federal Election, the Illawarra Flame is giving all local candidates a chance to share their vision for Australia.

Carol Berry is the Labor Candidate for Whitlam, the Commonwealth Electoral Division covering Shellharbour City Council, Wingecarribee Shire Council, and part of the Wollongong City Council LGA. Carol is the Disability Trust CEO and Labor's choice to replace Whitlam MP Stephen Jones, the assistant treasurer and minister for financial services, who is retiring from politics.

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Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I have lived in the Illawarra for over 25 years. My husband Calum and I have raised our family here and we have always worked hard to give back to the local community. 

I have volunteered my time with local P&Cs, committees and sporting clubs. My husband is a local public school teacher and volunteers his time with the Rural Fire Service.  

I am currently the CEO of a large disability service provider, The Disability Trust, which has its head offices in the Illawarra. We provide services to over 6000 people with disability and employ 3500 staff, including throughout the Illawarra and Southern Highlands.

I have previously been the CEO of the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, based in Warilla, so I am passionate about women’s health and supporting women who are escaping violence.

I have worked as a lawyer for the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC). I have also worked for the NSW Ombudsman, and for the Federal Government on the rollout of the NDIS.

I am a passionate supporter of public education and health care, as well as strengthening our local economy for the benefit of local people. 

I have worked hard to make our community a better and fairer place for everyone and I believe I have what it takes to continue this important work in the Federal Parliament. 

What inspired you to enter politics?

I have worked in the community services sector for over 15 years, and I understand some of the challenges that people face within our community, and I know I can make a difference in people's lives.

I have worked with some of the most disadvantaged people within our community and I know how to advocate on behalf of people who do not traditionally have a strong voice in the political system.

I am passionate about ensuring that everyone within our community has what they need to live their best life – whether this is access to quality and affordable housing, education, health care, aged care, or other important community services.

In short, I care a great deal about our community and I have what it takes to make a difference.

What would be your top 3 priorities if elected?

1. Positioning our region for greater government and private sector investment to create more local jobs for local people, and strengthen our local economy

2. Better planning and coordination across our region across all levels of government to ensure the best outcomes for local people and our beautiful local environment

3. Ensuring the highest quality services for local people – like health care, aged care, and other community services.  I look forward to advocating for our region for the best outcomes in relation to the delivery of essential community services.

If you could deliver one key local project in your term, what would it be?

We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Our region has so much to offer and has so much potential. I look forward to working with our community to strengthen our local economy so that we can create more local jobs for local people, as well as ensuring that we have the right infrastructure in place to cater for the needs of everyone.

Our region needs better coordination from a stakeholder engagement and regional planning and positioning perspective. I would like to work with key stakeholders from across government, business and the not-for-profit sector to ensure that our regional leaders are all working together in a coordinated way to ensure the very best outcomes for our region when it comes to government and private investment, to strengthen our local economy and to really put our region on the map.

I already have a very strong network of local stakeholders that I could leverage in order to bring this vision to reality – this would be my first and top priority if I am elected to the Federal Parliament as the Member for Whitlam.

Why are you the best person for the job?

I have the depth of experience, skills, local knowledge and networks to be a highly effective Federal Member of Parliament. In my current role at The Disability Trust, I am running a highly complex $240 million operation which provides essential supports for thousands of people in our community, as well as being a major employer. I understand the issues and challenges that people in our community face, on the ground. I am motivated, skilled and highly effective at getting things done. I have a strong track record when it comes to serving our community, both in a professional and personal capacity. I have received strong support from the current Member for Whitlam, Stephen Jones, and I have also received strong support from our other local MPs – Alison Byrnes, Anna Watson, Paul Scully and Ryan Park. I am in a strong position to hit the ground running and to be a highly effective MP.  I feel very motivated and inspired to be the next Member for Whitlam.

Read more

The Illawarra Flame puts the same questions to all candidates, giving everyone a chance to share their vision for Australia.

• Q&A with Amanda Ivaneza, Liberal Candidate for Cunningham 
• Q&A with Jess Whittaker, Greens candidate for Cunningham 
• Q&A with Carol Berry, Labor candidate for Whitlam