Shoppers in Perth may have been surprised to spot Peter Dutton in their local grocer milk aisle this week, as the Coalition tightens its focus on gaining ground in the west.
But they may have been even more curious if they had a glimpse of former prime ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard roaming the streets on Friday — a long way from home.
The trio cap off a fleet of heavyweight Liberal figures touring Perth this week to spruik plans to, in his words, “get this great state pumping”.
Mr Dutton (right), Deputy Leader Sussan Ley (second from right) and Liberal Senator Slade Brockman (left) walk into a local supermarket. (ABC News: Andrew O’Connor)
But what’s the deal with WA? The answer can be traced to the last federal election.
What happened last election?
WA voters were not on the Liberals’ side in the 2022 Federal Election, which recorded a 10 per cent swing against the party.
It lost four seats to Labor, including the previously safe Liberal seat of Pearce.
It also lost the affluent western suburbs seat of Curtin, with Independent Kate Chaney elected over Celia Hammond, who previously enjoyed a margin of almost 14 per cent.
Other safe Liberal seats such as Canning became marginal.
Speaking at a Liberal Party event on Thursday, John Howard attributed this result to the popularity of the Mark McGowan government.
Former Prime Minister John Howard attended the Liberal Party’s 80th anniversary gala dinner in Perth on Thursday. (ABC News: Grace Burmas )
“The Labor party won a lot of seats in WA and I think it’s fair to say that was helped a bit by a remarkably popular former premier,” he said.
“But there has been a redistribution and WA has often surprised on the right side for the Liberal party … we did well in WA the election I lost.”
WA’s current premier was unconvinced by the pull of the Liberal delegation, when asked on Friday.
“John Howard was Prime Minister a long time ago,” Roger Cook said.
“If he’s the answer for the Liberals when it comes to any election outcome, they’re asking the wrong question.”
What’s happening now?
Fast forward two years and the Liberal party appears to be throwing significant resources and star power at changing the tide.
Just two weeks ago Mr Dutton was in Collie in WA’s south west, which is one of seven places nationwide where a power station could be based under the Coalition’s proposed nuclear policy.
Despite being heckled by protesters in the town, Mr Dutton said he was generally pleased with the reception the Federal Liberals had received while in WA.
“We want to do so much for WA,” he said.
“We want to get this great state pumping even more than it is now, and our country performs best when WA is doing well.
“We are very excited about our policies and how we are putting Western Australia right at the front of our considerations.”
Former WA premier Colin Barnett made an appearance said he was confident the Liberals would win back support at state and national levels.
Former WA Premier Colin Barnett believes there will be a swing to the Liberals in WA at a national and state level in next year’s elections. (ABC News: Grace Burmas )
“You are going to see a swing to Western Australia at the federal election and the state election. How big they are, no one knows,” he said.
“Campaigns are expensive but I think this is more about people who have been traditional Liberal supporters and donors to the liberal party are coming back to the fold.”
Optimism buoyed by QLD result
Mr Howard and others’ presence in WA comes off the back of the Liberal National Party’s success at the Queensland election last weekend.
Former Prime Minister John Howard talking to locals at the High Wycombe Community and Recreation Centre with liberal candidate for Bullwinkle Matt Moran. (ABC News: Nicolas Perpitch )
It followed the Country Liberal Party in the Northern Territory becoming the first conservatives in six years to defeat a Labor government.
Mr Dutton said it was evidence of a shift against Labor at a national level.
“I think what [the election result] demonstrates is that the public will punish a bad government,” he said.
“They did it in Queensland, I think they will do it in the Federal Election as well because the Prime Minister promised so much before the election and he’s delivered on nothing.”
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott in Albany. (ABC News: Andrew Chounding )
Mr Barnett agreed.
“[Western Australia and Queensland] are similar states dependent on the resources industry … it shows at a state level you can get big swings,” he said.
Double-header elections
WA Liberal Leader Libby Mettam is still holding out hope for a similar result at the state election, which is likely to be held on March 8 next year.
“We absolutely can win it, we are focused on the right priorities,” she said.
She said these priorities included fixing the health system, restoring law and order, providing cost of living relief and affordable housing.
WA Liberal Leader Libby Mettam says her party can win the 2025 election. (ABC News: Grace Burmas )
Mr Barnett appeared more reserved in his optimism.
“When you only have three seats in the lower house it’s a long way to go,” he said.
“But I’m confident the Liberal Party will pick up significant number of seats.
“You never know what’s going to happen in an election campaign, ask Alan Carpenter.”
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