News

At Anglicare WA, we want a just and fair Western Australia where everyone can thrive, and the state election on 8 March was an important opportunity for West Australians to have a say in creating long-term positive change for the wellbeing of individuals and communities. 

On election night, WA Labor, led by Premier Roger Cook, won a third consecutive term, becoming the first party to do so in WA since 1989.  In addition to being a historic victory, it was also predictable and comfortable despite an 11% swing in votes away from WA Labor. 

WA Labor has secured 46 out of 59 seats in the Legislative Assembly (where government is formed), the Liberal Party of WA has 7, and the Nationals WA 6.  The WA Liberals will assume the role of opposition that was lost at the last election. 

While WA Labor’s emphatic victory and retention of traditionally WA Liberal held seats (like South Perth, Bateman, and Riverton) is noteworthy, so is the swing in voting that took place. The swing vote was largely split across minor parties and independents, leaving the WA Liberals with a small number of additional seats.  

According to pollster Kos Samaras from RedBridge, this splitting of the swing vote is likely due to Millennial voters, who have been hit hard by the cost of living and housing crises, are concerned about other issues like climate change, and expect more progressive and substantive policy solutions than those offered by both WA Labor or the WA Liberals. 

This swing also appears to have had an impact in the Legislative Council (also known as the House of Review) where WA Labor has lost its majority. Gains by minor and independent parties look to have resulted in The Greens (WA) holding the balance of power.  This means that while WA Labor has a clear mandate to govern, the minor parties and independents will have more of a voice.  

Post-election, the swing vote looks to have been a factor in the new Cook Labor Cabinet, with dedicated portfolios for each state region a possible response to the substantial regional swing against WA Labor.  It could also be a response to the electoral reforms that removed regional specific seats from the Legislative Council. 

The state election will have implications for Western Australians who are expecting the re-elected WA Labor government to deliver on its election promises such as cost-of-living relief and safe and affordable housing.  

The state election could also have national implications, as it could be an indicator of the shifts we could see in the upcoming federal election, which is due by 17 May. 

Here at Anglicare WA, we believe that one of the key functions of our governments (and of politics in general) is making choices to ensure that everyone has equitable access to opportunities, resources, and protections that enable them to thrive, and we advocate to ensure that no one is left behind. 

Anglicare WA is nonpartisan in our efforts and will continue to work with the WA State Government and elected officials in the coming weeks and months to ensure implementation of key election commitments across our advocacy priorities.  And we will continue our advocacy to ensure A Fair Life, A Better Australia in the lead-up to the federal election.  

To see a list of our state election policy wins, please click here. 

To learn more about our advocacy priorities and federal election policies, please click here.