Ron Sao has been announced as WA Labor’s candidate for Cannington in the 2025 state election, seeking to replace retiring Member Bill Johnston.
Raised in Beckenham, educated at St Norbert College, and as Johnston’s former chief of staff, Ron Sao believes his strong ties to the community make him the right man for the job.
“I’m very humbled to be given the opportunity to run for the seat of Cannington,” Sao said.
“I’m a first-generation migrant who grew up locally and have 20 years of experience in State, local and Federal Government. Combine this with empathy and compassion, I believe I would be an effective Member of Parliament.”
With a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Studies from Murdoch University, Sao said he hopes to use his educational background and professional experience to serve the Cannington community.
“If elected, I intend to earn the respect of the community by working hard and championing the best interests of the electorate,” he said.
“I’d like to be recognised as an effective local member. Someone who is open, builds trust and delivers for the community.”
“I believe I have the background, skills and knowledge to help people and advocate for the community.”
Earlier this year, Bill Johnston, the current member and the only representative for Cannington since the seat’s inception, announced his retirement from politics and confirmed he would not be seeking re-election.
Speaking to the Examiner Newspapers, Johnston said he has known Sao for almost 20 years and expressed his enthusiasm for Sao’s candidacy, believing his familiarity with the community will make him the ideal representative for Cannington.
“Ron understands the pressures local families and residents confront and has the new ideas to solve our local problems,” Johnston said.
“I know Ron Sao very well, so I am sure that the Cannington community will receive him as the best choice for our future. He grew up in our community after he migrated to Australia, he went to school here, and even had his first job at Pizza Hut on Albany Highway.”
Having served in Parliament since 2008, Johnston has established himself as a significant figure in the community, securing a remarkable 71.8 per cent of the first preference vote at the 2021 election, a 17.3 per cent swing towards Labor in Cannington, part of a broader +17.7 per cent swing across the state.
Sao said that despite Labour’s overwhelming lead in the area, he isn’t taking anything for granted and is committed to further engaging with the community.
“I know that being able to represent the community I grew up in would be a privilege and something I intend to earn through hard work and building trust,” he stated.
“I’m out door knocking on the weekends and meeting with as many community members as possible to understand what matters most to them.”
If elected, he hopes Cannington will continue to grow and thrive in a way that effectively supports the community’s diverse needs.
“I want the area to remain a great option for people to live in, with access to jobs and good public transport, close to healthcare facilities, and with good education for future generations,” he said.
“I want to make sure that the electorate remains attractive to young families as well as meeting the needs of those that have lived in this community for decades.”
The WA Liberals, Greens, and Nationals are yet to announce candidates for the seat of Cannington, while the Australian Christian Party has nominated Mark Staer as their candidate, who previously ran in 2021 and secured 4.7 per cent of the first preference vote.
Outgoing Member for Cannington, Bill Johnston, who held several ministerial portfolios during his time in Parliament, including Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Energy, and Corrective Services, reflected on his tenure positively.
“I’ve greatly enjoyed being the Member for Cannington, and I have never taken our community for granted,” he said.
“I will miss meeting so many wonderful people and being able to help solve problems in our community.”
