Western Australia sets election for March 8 in key test for labor

Western Australia has called a state election for March 8, marking a crucial test for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party ahead of a close federal vote due by May. A strong opposition showing could increase pressure on the national government.

Western Australia Premier Roger Cook, a member of Albanese’s centre-left Labor Party, announced the election date late Wednesday, seeking a third consecutive term for Labor in the state. The party has maintained a dominant position, holding 53 of 59 seats in the state’s lower house since its landslide victory in 2021, largely credited to its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite Labor’s stronghold in the state, pressure is mounting on Albanese at the federal level. Recent polling suggests a tightening national race, with the conservative Liberal-National coalition leading Labor 51-49 in a two-party preferred vote, according to a Newspoll survey last week.

Political analyst John Phillimore said a Liberal comeback in the Western Australia election remains unlikely, citing the state’s strong economy and stable government. However, the federal Labor government has faced declining approval ratings amid concerns over rising living costs.

The Western Australia election result will be closely watched for signs of voter sentiment before the nationwide vote expected by May, where Labor faces a tougher contest to remain in power.

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