Independent candidate Kate Chaney appears poised to secure a second term in the affluent Curtin electorate, potentially sidelining the Liberal Party’s promising newcomer, Tom White. Current projections indicate Chaney will maintain her seat after receiving a 5 per cent swing based on over 60 per cent of the votes counted, reinforcing Labor’s ongoing dominance in Western Australia.
Curtin is viewed as a crucial barometer for the Liberal Party, especially as counting progresses and the results remain closely contested. Political observers have noted that if the Liberal Party cannot capture a seat traditionally held by influential figures like Julie Bishop and billionaires Gina Rinehart and Twiggy Forrest, their chances in the wider election diminish significantly.
Looking elsewhere in the state, the Australian Labor Party (ALP) appears to be retaining most of the seats it secured in the 2022 election. Notably, Sam Lim, a former dolphin trainer, is expected to hold onto his position in the Tangney electorate, which he won in a surprising upset two years ago. Meanwhile, ALP candidate Trish Cook leads in the Bullwinkel seat against Liberal opponent Matt Moran, although final results are still pending.
In a notable development for the Liberal Party, Andrew Hastie successfully retained his seat in Canning with a significant 7.2 per cent swing in his favour. His victory positions him as a contender for the party leadership following the unexpected loss of Peter Dutton in Dickson, marking a historic first for an opposition leader to lose their seat. Hastie will likely face stiff competition from prominent rivals including Angus Taylor, Dan Tehan, and Jane Hume as he vies for leadership.
Across the state, while the ALP has successfully held its ground, the Liberal Party’s prospects are diminishing, particularly with losses in crucial areas that typically support them. As the counting continues, the results from Curtin and other pivotal electorates will provide further insight into the shifting political landscape in Western Australia.