WA Labor on the back foot as by-election voters pick ex-premier McGowan’s successor

PM Anthony Albanese steps out with WA Premier Roger Cook (l) former WA Premier Mark McGowan and Labor byelection contender Magenta Marshall. Photo AAP
Polls have opened in the West Australian seat of former premier Mark McGowan in what is shaping up to be a test of his replacement’s leadership.
The popularity of Labor leader Roger Cook has crashed since he took over from Mr McGowan, according to a recent poll that showed the Liberal Party holds a 54 per cent to 46 per cent two-party preferred lead.
Despite this, Labor is expected to easily hold the seat of Rockingham, south of Perth, on Saturday, although its healthy margin of 37.7 per cent could take a battering.
Indigenous heritage laws
Political commentator Peter Kennedy said Labor had faced a bumpy road since Mr McGowan resigned in May citing exhaustion.
Controversial Aboriginal heritage laws, the rising cost of living and housing shortages have all taken a toll, he said.
Fractures have also emerged in the Labor party in the Rockingham area after its candidate Magenta Marshall was selected.
Rockingham deputy mayor Hayley Edwards has said she felt locked out of the selection process and will run as an independent.
“Those things aren’t good in election climates,” she told AAP.
The women will face off against Liberal candidate Peter Hudson.
He says Labor has neglected the seat in recent years and more needs to be done to support struggling residents.
Mr McGowan’s extraordinary popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic helped Labor secure the massive margin it enjoys, but that is expected to be eroded.
Labor’s post-COVID decline
“It’s a big test for both Roger Cook and (WA Liberal leader) Libby Mettam … It’s the first time they’ve gone head-to-head … and very important for both of them,” Mr Kennedy said.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a big two-party preferred swing away from Labor … somewhere around 20 per cent.
“But that would still mean it’s a safe Labor seat.”
Rockingham is a coastal community about 50 kilometres south of Perth city where about 30,000 voters are registered.
Mr McGowan was re-elected in 2021 with 82.7 per cent of first-preference votes.
Polls will remain open until 6pm AWST.
-AAP