WA Liberal leader Basil Zempilas says forming a Coalition with the Nationals is “on the table” as momentum for a new agreement grows.
Arriving at the Liberal Party’s state conference in Perth, Mr Zempilas told reporters that entering into a formal Coalition with the Nationals would be considered in coming months.
His comments came as Nationals gathered in Mandurah on Saturday for their state conference, with a motion calling on the party to form a Coalition with the Liberals up for discussion
WA Nationals leader Shane Love has told the faithful their party and the Liberals must form a Coalition if the conservatives are to be serious contenders to form government in 2029, and the two could no longer afford to be political enemies.
His comments come as the Merredin branch of the party today calls on the Nationals to formally become a Coalition with Bazil Zempilas’ Liberals.
“Today’s motion on a Coalition is non-binding, but it matters. It gives our members the chance to have their say on how we move forward,” Mr Love said.
He said he wanted an end to the current Alliance agreement with the Liberals in favour of a formal Coalition.
“I’ve been clear in my own view. The only way we can change Government in 2029 is through a better arrangement between our two parties,” Mr Love said.
“Voters need clarity. They need to know that a future Liberal-National Government is united, disciplined, and ready to govern.”
Under the current alliance agreement, the Liberals and Nationals can have different policies and can run candidates against each other at elections.
Nationals and Liberals both ran candidates in country and city seats at the March State election, and together won just 13 of 59 seats.
“Let’s be real — when our two Parties are fighting each other, it only helps Labor,” Mr Love said.
“When I was defending my seat of Mid-West, I was running against the Liberals, as were many of our MPs.
“That energy should have been spent taking the fight to Labor.
“And when our policy positions diverge – whether on stamp duty or other issues – the public is left confused about what they’d be voting for.”
He said the Nationals would not lose their independence by forming a Coalition with the Liberals, saying the party had been strong and independent for 112 years and could again work effectively alongside the Liberals.
https://thewest.com.au/politics/state-politics/wa-nationals-leader-shane-love-implores-party-faithful-to-support-plans-for-formal-coalition-with-liberals–c-19847009
