In the recent Western Australian election, Premier Roger Cook and the Labor government celebrated a significant victory, capturing a strong majority, possibly the second-largest in the state’s history. This comes after a historic win in 2021, where Labor secured 53 out of 59 seats, and a previously impressive showing in 2017 when Mark McGowan first took office with 41 seats.
Despite expectations of a minor recovery for the Liberal Party, who only won two seats in 2021, the election results resulted in another significant loss for them. Charles Croucher, a political analyst, described it as a “disastrous night” for the Liberals, indicating that the setbacks witnessed could have considerable implications for future federal elections. He suggested that the outcome was not merely about the next four years but extended to the political landscape for the subsequent term.
As Western Australia holds pivotal federal seats, the recent election results position the state as a critical player in determining the next federal government. Labor previously capitalised on gains in WA which led to its majority in 2022, and now, strong local leadership from Cook may benefit Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as they prepare for the next federal election.
Cook emerged as a key political ally for Albanese, who praised their longstanding friendship and emphasized Cook’s commitment to local manufacturing, aligning it with his own campaign sentiments. In stark contrast, the Liberals lack a substantial leader to rally around, following significant losses and a fragmented leadership structure, as Libby Mettam and Basil Zempilas struggled in the election.
While the Liberal Party did witness an 18% swing against Labor in first-preference votes, they failed to translate this into substantial gains, managing only a 7% swing towards their party. This suggests a growing support for minor parties and independents, further complicating the Liberals’ chances moving forward.
With potential challenges ahead for Albanese, such as a delay in calling a federal election due to adverse weather conditions, the upcoming budget and positive economic indicators may soon fade in the minds of voters by the time polls open. As Croucher noted, this unfolding situation adds complexity to an already challenging re-election bid for the Prime Minister, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the political landscape in Australia.