The recent Western Australian election has revealed a significant shift in voter sentiment, particularly in regional areas, with swings against the Labor Party reaching up to 20 percent. Despite comfortably securing a third term, the Cook government's support plummeted in the countryside, marking a rare success for the opposition. The election results have seen Labor's regional representation nearly halved, with the Nationals outperforming the Liberals in these areas.
Ali Kent, Labor's candidate in Kalgoorlie, currently maintains a narrow lead, but faces stiff competition from Mr. Kyran O'Donnell, who benefitted from a 17 percent swing away from Kent. The final distribution of preferences, expected in the coming days, will be crucial in determining the ultimate outcome in this closely contested seat.
A Swing Away from Labor
The elections highlighted a noticeable trend of regional Western Australia turning against the Cook government. Labor now only seems certain to retain four of its nine previously held seats. This shift could potentially give the Nationals' Kirrilee Warr a historic victory, securing the seat for the first time since 1947. In Warren-Blackwood, expectations that Labor would lose were compounded by a notable surge towards the Nationals, putting the seat's outcome in doubt.
Scott Leary of the Nationals is trailing behind Labor's Ms. Stephens in Warren-Blackwood. However, the sentiment on the ground suggests dissatisfaction with Labor's handling of regional issues. Bevan Eatts articulated this frustration, noting that residents feel like "second-class citizens" and citing a lack of investment in essential services such as schools and hospitals.
"We've had a lot of things done to our region, and not for our region," – Bevan Eatts
"A lot of us living in Warren-Blackwood are fed up at being treated like second-class citizens," – Bevan Eatts
"Margaret River is the jewel in the crown for WA tourism, but there hasn't been the investment in schools and hospitals." – Bevan Eatts
Key Contests and Outcomes
The race for Kalgoorlie has emerged as a four-way contest, complicated further by former Liberal MP Kyran O'Donnell's candidacy as an independent. The Nationals have managed to outperform the Liberals across rural regions, although it remains uncertain who will ultimately benefit from this apparent regional anger.
Pilbara and Kimberley remain safe for Labor, despite Pilbara MP Kevin Michel experiencing a significant 15.9 percent swing against him. Michel acknowledged the need for introspection within his party following these results.
"Regional WA has turned its back on Labor, because Labor has turned its back on regional WA," – Shane Love
Shane Love, leader of the Nationals, emphasized that the regional discontent with Labor is palpable and predicted that this message will eventually permeate throughout the state.
"That message will gradually resonate throughout the whole state." – Shane Love
The Path Forward for WA Politics
In Bunbury, Don Punch expressed gratitude and excitement about continuing his work for the community, reflecting on the privilege of serving.
"The opportunity to serve the people of Bunbury, to take our plan forward and continue the work we are doing," – Don Punch
"I can't think of a greater privilege." – Don Punch
Meanwhile, Ms. Stephens of Warren-Blackwood speculated on voter dissatisfaction with the Liberal Party's candidate choices as a factor influencing electoral swings.
"I think it might be a protest against the candidate they've chosen for the Liberal Party, who has come out with some pretty bizarre comments." – Ms Stephens
Jane Kelsbie noted a historical perspective on voting patterns in Warren-Blackwood, suggesting an expected conservative swing.
"Warren-Blackwood was conservative for 32 years, I think there was always going to be a swing backwards to the conservatives," – Jane Kelsbie
