Rising Labor star found dead at home

A woman touted as a possible future Labor leader has been found dead at her home.

Sarah Carter, 45, died “suddenly” at her home in Melbourne’s north west. She was found by police at 3.45pm on Tuesday.

Her death is not being treated as suspicious.

Ms Carter was a councillor on Maribyrnong Council, in Melbourne’s west, which covered suburbs including Footscray, Yarraville and Tottenham as well as Maribyrnong itself.

‘Terrible loss’

Ms Carter was first elected to office in 2008 and had served as mayor of Maribrynong three times over – the first woman to do so.

She was admired within Labor circles both in Melbourne and Canberra and so believed she could go well beyond local council boundaries.

Former Labor leader an current minister Bill Shorten paid tribute said Ms Caret was a “remarkable” leader. .

“Children’s champion, community leader, Labor through and through. The best of us.

“My thoughts are with her family and loved ones in this difficult time”.

Labor MP Tim Watts said Ms Carter’s “energy was limitless”.

“She had an impact on so many people’s lives.

“She gave so much of herself and wanted to give so much more. She’s been taken from us far too soon.

“It’s a terrible loss to our community and our country“.

In a tribute on social media, City of Maribyrnong stated that it was “socked and saddened” by the “sudden passing” of Ms Carter.

“Councillor Carter was a trusted and valued colleague and her passing is an enormous loss to our community who she has worked tirelessly to support over her 16 years on Council.

Maribyrnong’s first three-time female Mayor, councillor Carter was only the second Mayor in our municipality’s history to achieve Emeritus status – the highest recognition for distinguished service in local government leadership.”

A report is being prepared for the coroner.

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