As the Western Australian state election approaches, both the Labor and Liberal parties are making their final pitches to voters with early voting now underway, just under two weeks before polling day. Labor’s campaign is anchored in its “Made in WA” initiative, led by Premier Roger Cook, who has unveiled a significant $387 million plan aimed at enhancing battery production and manufacturing capabilities. At the party launch, former Premier Mark McGowan endorsed Cook, asserting that he surpasses his performance in leadership.
Despite Labor’s robust majority, the party’s success will be judged not only by winning the election but also by minimising seat losses. In the opposition corner, the Liberal Party, led by Libby Mettam, is concentrating on pressing issues such as financial difficulties faced by households and the current state of healthcare in the region. While an outright victory for the Liberals seems improbable, there is a possibility for the Liberal-National coalition to secure additional seats in regional areas like Kalgoorlie, Albany, and Geraldton.
As pre-polling has commenced, all eyes are now on the election day, scheduled for March 8.