Joe Spagnolo: The six questions WA voters will consider ahead of State and Federal election in 2025

Well, here we are. It’s officially election year, and WA voters face both State and Federal polls. The WA election will be the first cab off the rank on March 8 unless, of course, Anthony Albanese is a naughty boy and decides to gatecrash the party by going to the polls first. The March 8 poll is about how much Labor will win by, and whether the Liberals and Nationals have bridged the gap enough to be a real chance in 2029. So, what are the issues and what questions will West Aussies ask come election time that will determine whether the Liberals and Nationals can win enough seats to once again be a force in WA politics? Do West Australians have buyer’s remorse? Labor has been in power for eight years. Voters will rightfully ask themselves prior to election day whether they’ve got bang for their buck, so to speak. Interestingly, 36 per cent of the 920 West Australians surveyed in August by WA’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry believed their living standards had gone backwards since the last election in 2021. Roger Cook and his Labor team will need to convince West Aussies otherwise. Can we pay the mortgage? The Reserve Bank of Australia has increased its cash rate 13 times since 2022, putting huge pressure on the resources of mortgage holders. Rates are, politically speaking, generally a Federal matter. But if the RBA drops interest rates in February, it bodes well for the Cook Government because you’d think West Australians will join their cousins across the Nullarbor in feeling that the worst is over and there are better times ahead. If interest rates don’t fall by the time we go to the polls in WA, then you can expect a lot of unhappy voters come March 8. Sure, interest rates have nothing to do with Roger Cook. But someone has to pay, right? Can we afford a trip to Bali? We are a spoilt bunch here in WA. We like our holidays. Cost of living is, without doubt, the No.1 issue in the lead-up to the WA and Federal polls. Can’t afford a yearly holiday to Bali? Can’t afford that second flat white? Again, you don’t want unhappy voters on polling day. Are we sick of the sight of Labor? We’ve been talking about and listening to Roger Cook and Rita Saffioti and co. since 2017, when Labor won power. Just like that favourite pair of jeans, your love for them will eventually wear thin. People get sick of seeing the same pollies in power. That’s why Premier Cook will need to keep the campaign fresh, lively, fun — with a clear message about what’s in store under a future Labor government — if he wants to stop the Libs and Nats winning too many seats in 2025. Do we feel the Liberals are ready to lead? If you are in the mood to lodge a protest vote against Labor, you will only do that if you feel the other mob is capable of running the State. Libby Mettam and her team must convince voters they can do that and have a clear vision for the future. That means no more fighting with the Nationals, and lots of hugs and kisses — at least in front of the cameras — between Libby and her party’s candidate for Churchlands, Basil Zempilas. Unity. That’s the key word for the Opposition this election. Are our footy teams capable of playing finals this year? There’s only one thing we love more than our footy here in WA — our mothers. Interestingly, the 2025 AFL season officially begins March 6 — two days before the State Election. The Eagles and Dockers don’t play until the following week, but footy fever will be alive and well on March 8. If Harley Reid or Shai Bolton get injured pre-season, Roger Cook will feel the fury of upset footy fans who will want to take out their frustrations on anyone they can. Cook needs the Eagles and Dockers to have a great pre-season.