Bateman MLA Matt Taylor gains Liberal pre-selection for new seat of Bicton

CURRENT Bateman MLA Matt Taylor’s long predicted shift to new seat Bicton was made official at the Liberal Party’s State Council on Saturday.

The move comes after Alfred Cove MLA and Transport Minister Dean Nalder beat Mr Taylor in a bitter pre-selection battle for the redrawn seat of Bateman last month.

Both new seats enjoy strong Liberal margins but Bateman (23.1 per cent) is the most comfortable blue-ribbon seat in WA while Bicton (10 per cent) is being targeted by Labor through long-time Palmyra resident and Melville councillor Lisa O’Malley.

However, Mr Taylor also has a strong connection to the Bicton electorate having both grown up in East Fremantle and previously represented many of the suburbs in the new electorate.

The seat of Bicton comprises the suburbs of Alfred Cove, Attadale, Bicton, Melville, Myaree, Palmyra and parts of East Fremantle and Fremantle following changes by the WA Electoral Commission announced last year.

“Through my three election campaigns and my time in Parliament I have personally represented all of the suburbs in the Bicton electorate except Attadale,” he said.

“I am extremely proud of my reputation as a dedicated local Member of Parliament.

“I am known for my values, work ethic and genuine interest in helping others.

“This together with my demonstrated strong loyalty to my local constituents and local community is why I believe I will be the best representative for the people of Bicton.

“I am also the Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier assisting with State initiatives such as Training and Workforce Development, Innovation and Aquaculture.

This is extremely important to me as Western Australia needs to transition towards a digital economy so we can prepare for the jobs of the future, many of which don’t even exist yet.”