Labor Secures Victory in Western Australia Election

Labor will continue governing for a third term in Western Australia, as the Liberal Party falls short in attracting the swing needed to challenge Roger Cook’s majority.

Polls anticipated a 12-13 percent swing that could potentially bring up to 11 seats within reach for the Liberal Party.

With 8 percent of the vote counted, Labor managed to hold onto crucial seats like South Perth, Bateman, and Scarborough, though still falling significantly below the 30-seat threshold required for a government win.

ABC election analyst Antony Green indicated that there were no indications of anything other than the reelection of the Labor Party.

“The current lead they have might be narrowing, but it’s evident that the government has been reelected,” Green stated.

“The Labor Party will indeed be reelected, that’s my assessment.”

Premier Roger Cook has remained cautious in his optimism throughout the campaign despite Labor’s strong position.

The party secured 53 seats out of 59 in the WA lower house during the remarkable landslide victory in 2021 under then-Premier Mark McGowan.

“If the people of Western Australia endorse us today, we won’t take it for granted,” he mentioned after voting in Kwinana and engaging with voters.

“We will remain humble.”

The Liberals and Nationals, each with three seats, would require a swing of over 20 percent to create a coalition government, which seems improbable.

However, expectations are that the Liberals might regain previously secure Perth seats in the inner city and western suburbs.

Cook emphasized that losing any seat would be unacceptable.

“No one likes losing in politics,” he expressed, aiming for his own reelection as premier after taking over from McGowan in 2023.

“I’m just getting started. I’ve only been in this role for 18 months now. I’m super energized.”

“My plan is long-term. We have a significant agenda.”

Liberal leader Libby Mettam showed strong determination in the campaign against a confident and well-funded Labor party.

Despite challenges about her party’s potential loss and controversies surrounding candidates, Mettam refrained from discussing defeat.

Even if the conservatives reclaim all seats lost in 2021, Labor would still hold office with a substantial majority from 2017, when they secured 41 lower house seats. The Liberals won 13, and the Nationals secured five.

“Our message is clear: people’s votes matter,” Mettam remarked outside a voting booth in Perth’s southern suburbs.

“If Labor is reelected, we will witness the same Labor values for the next four years.”

When asked about preparing a concession speech, Mettam replied, “I’m focused on engaging with people.”

“While it might be a challenging battle, the power is in the hands of the people of Western Australia.”

Cost of living and housing remain the primary concerns for WA voters. Health, education, regional services, state infrastructure, and crime have also been focal points during the campaign.

Brendan Brown, a local resident, expressed his confidence in voting for Labor, stating, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

“Things are moving in the right direction… I don’t see any alternatives.”

Shirley Reilly emphasized the need for a stronger opposition to balance Labor’s power in the state.

“We need more equilibrium,” she stressed.

Rod Reynolds, a staunch Liberal supporter, met Mettam during the campaign and humorously noted his preference for her party over Cook’s.

By Aaron Bunch.