As Western Australia’s election approaches, two major themes have dominated the campaign: substantial public spending and the rise of culture wars in politics. With promises exceeding A$16 billion in public spending, political leaders are focusing on issues such as housing, health, and climate change while also navigating the contentious terrain of social issues.
Big Spending and Policy Promises
The election promises are being driven by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and WA’s strong economy, with the major political parties pledging significant investments in areas like suburban infrastructure, health care, and domestic violence response. The parties are focusing on policy proposals that address pressing issues like housing affordability and climate change, with each offering different strategies for tackling them.
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For housing, the WA Labor party emphasizes build-to-rent initiatives and expanding shared equity schemes, while the Liberals focus on fast-tracking homes in key growth areas. The Nationals propose a massive A$2 billion investment in regional housing, while the Greens advocate for stronger renters’ rights and regulation of short-stay accommodation.
On climate policy, Labor seeks a coal-free energy grid by 2030 and a green energy future driven by renewable sources, including wind farms and home batteries. Meanwhile, the Liberals align on renewable energy, but also support extending the lifespan of WA’s coal power stations and lifting the ban on uranium mining. The focus is on economic growth but in a manner that aligns with each party’s priorities and beliefs on environmental protection.
The Rise of Culture Wars
Despite the focus on fiscal promises, a growing trend in Australian politics has been the influence of culture wars, particularly concerning issues of identity, gender, and inclusion. This is especially evident in the WA Liberal Party’s campaign, with leader Libby Mettam positioning herself against the so-called “woke” politics. Her stances, such as opposing the First Nations flags and vowing to ban gender transition treatments for children under 16, signal the party’s embrace of controversial issues to galvanize certain voter segments.
The rise of culture wars within WA’s political landscape mirrors global political movements, where right-wing parties have leaned into social issues to mobilize their base. Mettam’s comments, along with her pledge to defund the Environmental Defenders Office, have drawn attention to her party’s strategy of appealing to conservative values, especially as WA Labor’s electoral position appears stable.
Scandals and Candidate Controversies
In addition to Mettam’s rhetoric, several scandals have marred the WA Liberal Party’s campaign. Candidates such as Thomas Brough and Basil Zempilas have faced backlash for offensive comments related to LGBTQIA+ and transgender issues, while Paul Mansfield and Darren Spackman have been accused of making homophobic and racist remarks on social media. These controversies have intensified the party’s involvement in the culture wars and raised questions about its leadership and values.
Voter Reception and the Impact on Federal Politics
The key question remains whether culture-war issues will resonate with voters. Research suggests a growing acceptance of transgender rights among Australian voters, and Labor’s strong position may limit the effectiveness of conservative culture war tactics. Whether the WA Liberals succeed in this strategy could provide insights into how such issues will play out in future federal elections.
As the election draws near, WA voters’ responses to these cultural and policy issues will likely shape not only the outcome of the state election but also the direction of national politics, particularly in the 2025 federal election.
Conclusion
While promises of large-scale public spending dominate the Western Australian election campaign, the undertones of the culture wars are inescapable. The growing divide over social issues, along with a volatile political landscape, could have lasting effects on the state’s political future and the trajectory of broader national politics.
