Labor's WA Victory, Dutton’s Fundraising Surge, and Federal Election Updates

Western Australia State Election Results

The Labor Party has achieved a significant victory in the Western Australia state election. Premier Roger Cook secured at least 40 seats, with a two-party preferred vote exceeding 58%. This win ranks among the largest in the Australian Labor Party's history, second only to the 2021 landslide by Mark McGowan.

In his victory speech, Mr. Cook emphasized focusing on housing, health, and cost-of-living issues. The WA Liberals performed poorly, failing to reclaim key seats and securing only one additional seat. Notably, Fremantle MP Simone McGurk lost to independent Kate Hulett.

The Prime Minister has postponed the federal election to May due to ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, reflecting on the unexpected swings against Labor in WA regions. WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam now faces leadership challenges after the disappointing results.

Liberal Party Fundraising Efforts

In a boost to their campaign finances, the Liberal Party raised $500,000 during a high-profile fundraiser at billionaire Justin Hemmes’ Vaucluse mansion. The event, attended by Liberal leader Peter Dutton, charged $25,000 per ticket and attracted around 20 affluent guests.

This fundraiser is part of a larger trend of increased donations, reminiscent of the 2013 campaign period under Tony Abbott. Another recent event at Taronga Zoo also raised substantial funds. The Jewish community and other local supporters have been generous, with various fundraisers hitting and surpassing their targets.

Impact of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred

Tropical Cyclone Alfred made landfall near Brisbane as a category two storm, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread flooding to Queensland and northern New South Wales. The cyclone caused significant infrastructure damage, including power outages affecting nearly 300,000 properties in both states.

Lismore and surrounding areas experienced major flooding, with evacuation orders in place for thousands. Emergency services responded to numerous incidents, including flood rescues and infrastructure damages. The storm weakened to a tropical low as it moved inland, but the risk of flash flooding and riverine flooding remains high, with heavy rainfall expected to continue. Authorities urged residents to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel.

Upcoming Federal Election and Retiring Members

The Australian federal election is expected to be held by mid-May 2025. Several members have announced their retirement ahead of the election:

• Labor Party: Linda Burney (Barton, NSW), Stephen Jones (Whitlam, NSW), Brian Mitchell (Lyons, TAS), Brendan O'Connor (Gorton, VIC), Graham Perrett (Moreton, QLD), Maria Vamvakinou (Calwell, VIC), Senator Catryna Bilyk (TAS), and Senator Louise Pratt (WA).
• Liberal Party: Karen Andrews (McPherson, QLD), Warren Entsch (Leichhardt, QLD), Paul Fletcher (Bradfield, NSW), Nola Marino (Forrest, WA), Gavin Pearce (Braddon, TAS), Rowan Ramsey (Grey, SA), and Senator Linda Reynolds (WA).
• Nationals: Mark Coulton (Parkes, NSW) and David Gillespie (Lyne, NSW).
• Independent: Kylea Tink (North Sydney, NSW).

Additionally, the seats of Hinkler (QLD) and Maribyrnong (VIC) will be vacant following the resignations of Keith Pitt (Nationals) and Bill Shorten (Labor) in January 2025, with no by-elections planned due to the proximity of the general election.

Peter Dutton's Leadership and Recent Activities

Peter Dutton, leader of the Liberal Party and Leader of the Opposition since May 2022, continues to navigate the political landscape ahead of the upcoming federal election. Under his leadership, the Liberal Party has focused on various policy positions and fundraising efforts to strengthen their campaign. Dutton's recent attendance at high-profile fundraising events underscores his commitment to bolstering the party's resources for the electoral battle ahead.