In a charged debate just days before the election, Basil Zempilas, the prominent Liberal Party candidate, sparked a debate by not dismissing speculation about his own leadership ambitions. This incident unfolded during a tense half-hour discussion with Labor’s John Carey, where the release of the Liberal Party’s election costings took centre stage, which Labor dismissed as insincere.
During the debate, ABC presenter Nadia Mitsopoulos grilled Zempilas on whether he would consider taking over the leadership from Libby Mettam if she were to resign. In a somewhat evasive response, Zempilas replied, “No hypotheticals from me, Nadia,” failing to provide a straightforward answer.
Mettam, on her part, appeared unfazed by Zempilas’ comments, expressing confidence in her leadership capabilities. However, leaked polling data from within the Labor Party indicated that Zempilas’ popularity across the state, particularly among women, was concerning, showing a net favourability rating of minus 12.
Amidst these leadership discussions, the Liberals unveiled their election costings only two days prior to the election, in an attempt to quell criticism. Their plan outlined $3.458 billion in financial commitments, increasing the state’s debt to $41 billion, with proposed savings of $623 million by cancelling Labor’s Swan River ferries expansion and certain Metronet projects.
Shadow Treasurer Steve Martin praised these costings, reiterating the Liberal Party’s focus on pressing issues such as health services, housing, crime, cost of living, and regional development. Despite this, the costings came under fire as they were not vetted by Treasury but instead prepared by Peter Conran, a former public servant from the Howard Government, leading Treasurer Rita Saffioti to brand the figures as a “sham”. In response, Martin defended Conran’s extensive experience, downplaying concerns regarding potential biases.
This unfolding scenario highlights a tense political landscape as the election approaches, with both leadership ambitions and fiscal strategies taking centre stage.