The 2025 WA state election delivered an historic result, with the Labor Party securing a record third four-year term. Political commentator Peter Kennedy joined Doug on Table Talk to break down the winners, losers, and key takeaways from the vote.

A Historic Victory for Roger Cook and Labor

Labor’s victory marks an unprecedented achievement. “No party has ever won a third four-year term before,” Kennedy noted. Roger Cook, leading the Labor Party for the first time, secured an election win in his own right. This result cements his influence within the party and strengthens his position in selecting a new cabinet.

Despite the win, Labor saw a major drop in its primary vote—down nearly 18%. However, as Kennedy pointed out, “The way Labor was set up by Mark McGowan four years ago, they could afford to have that drop and still win a significant number of seats.”

A Disappointing Night for the Liberals

While the Liberal Party had hoped to benefit from Labor’s declining vote share, that didn’t happen. “The Labor drop in voting was spread among a number of parties, of which the Liberal Party was just one,” Kennedy explained. This fragmentation meant the Liberals didn’t gain as many seats as they had hoped, leaving their supporters frustrated.

The Rise of the National Party

The Nationals performed well in key regional areas. “They had a strong say in Geraldton, Albany, and Warren-Blackwood,” Kennedy said. These results reaffirm the Nationals’ strength in country seats, even as metropolitan areas remain challenging for them.

The Upper House Shake-Up

Labor previously held a rare majority in the upper house, but that will change due to electoral reforms. “Labor will lose that majority,” Kennedy said, estimating that they may hold around 16 or 17 of the 37 seats. This shift from the 2025 WA state election means they will need support from other parties, particularly the Greens, to pass legislation.

What This Means for the Federal Election

Looking ahead to the federal election, Kennedy pointed out an interesting branding strategy: “The Labor Party continually referred to WA Labor, differentiating it from the national ALP brand.” This suggests a deliberate effort to separate state and federal Labor, particularly given that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is not as popular in WA as Roger Cook.

Key issues shaping the federal election include:

  • The live sheep export ban: A federal Labor decision that has angered WA farmers and could influence votes in rural seats like O’Connor and Forrest.
  • Cost of living and housing: Major concerns in metropolitan areas that will be central to election debates.
  • Environmental policies and the resource sector: “There’s some suspicion in the West about federal attitudes toward the environment and how they impact resources,” Kennedy noted.

Election Fatigue? Get Ready for More

For those already exhausted by politics, Kennedy had a warning: “If people have election fatigue, they better gear up for another one.” The federal election is on the horizon, and the political landscape in WA will play a crucial role in shaping its outcome.

Stay tuned for more insights as we approach the next big vote. Listen to the full conversation below.