Liberal candidate for Dawesville Zak Kirkup and supporters at Cobbler’s Tavern on election night.
Camera IconLiberal candidate for Dawesville Zak Kirkup and supporters at Cobbler’s Tavern on election night. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

WA Election: significant swings to Labor in Peel region, but Liberals could hold Dawesville

Jill Burgess and Vanessa SchmittMandurah Coastal Times

MANY Liberal seats were swept away in the landslide that gave Government to the Opposition on Saturday, but there were also significant swings to Labor in all of the electorates in the Peel region.

Murray-Wellington

The seat of Murray-Wellington was one of the major shocks of the election, which saw a 20 per cent drop in the primary vote of long time Liberal MLA Murray Cowper.

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Labor’s Robyn Clarke was celebrating her likely win against the sitting member, a former police officer who had held the seat since 2008.

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Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mr Cowper said he had kept busy in his garden the morning after the election and thanked his many callers who offered support.

“We will see what happens in the next few days,” he said.

“I have a great family, beautiful wife, and loyal friends but I cannot help thinking about the fire victims, volunteer firefighters and farmers and what will happen now to the Country Fire Authority.”

He also thanked his “great team of volunteers”.

As of this morning, Ms Clarke held a 51.07 per cent to 48.93 per cent two party preferred lead over Mr Cowper.

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Dawesville

The seat of Dawesville remains undecided as of this morning, but Liberal Party looks like to retain the seat, despite an 11 per cent swing to Labor.

Liberal candidate Zak Kirkup was confident his 1.62 per cent lead over Labor’s Adam Woodage would see him claim the win.

“There are still a number of postal and early votes that we’re yet to see but if they remain on trend, I believe the Liberals will win,” he said.

“I’ve spoken with the Electoral Commission, and I understand they will be conducting a count over the coming week and I expect that within seven to 10 days the seat will be confirmed.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their hard work and support in support of our campaign.”

Mr Woodage said the Liberal Party would be shaking in its boots after spending $200,000 on the Dawesville campaign.

“We didn’t promise anything we could not deliver,” he said.

“When you don’t have the bank balance, I can’t promise a new bridge or shark nets.”

Mandurah

Mandurah MLA David Templeman is heading for his fifth term in Parliament after retaining the seat of Mandurah.

The 52-year-old father of four told a celebration party at the Boathouse Tavern on Saturday night the massive swing to Labor was a win for fairness and those who believed there needed to be a better way in WA.

“The Government was rubbish and our win is for equity, equality, dignity and respect,” he said.

Mr Templeman said jobs would become a priority.

He has represented Mandurah since 2001.

Electoral Commission results

Murray-Wellington

Votes counted 74.25 per cent

Swing to Labor 13 per cent

Two candidate preferred Robyn Clarke 51.07 per cent and Murray Cowper 48.93 per cent.

Mandurah

Votes counted 62.6 per cent

Swing to Labor 11.5 per cent

Two candidate preferred David Templeman 69.2 per cent and Lynne Rowlands 30.8 per cent

Dawesville

Votes counted 72.9 per cent

Swing to Labor 11 per cent

Two candidate preferred Zak Kirkup 37.31 per cent and Adam Woodage 33.69 per cent