analysis
Jessica Page: Labor leaders put on show of unity as Premier waits for Prime Minister to drop the date

No leader wants to share the spotlight and both Federal and WA Labor are worried the public’s attention is about to be divided by duelling campaigns. But as the election window narrows for the Prime Minister, they have no choice but to settle any differences. Voters love a good interstate biffo. Squaring up against Canberra is an easy formula for a Premier who needs to make a McGowan-sized mark. Rival requests can wedge a Prime Minister, under pressure to promise different States different things, and WA’s parochialism is famous for good reason. But though the timing of Roger Cook’s declaration of independence this week raised some eyebrows, the statement itself didn’t ruffle too many feathers. “All Governments are independent,” Mr Albanese said, after introducing the Premier as “my friend”. “We’re all running our own races,” Mr Cook said. “I’ve never felt closer with the Federal Government in relation to the measures, policies and approach that we’re putting in place.” Is the friendship just for show? Hard to say. It is clear though both are prepared to agree to disagree. That’s what Federation intended. The Cook Government won a backdown on nature positive laws and is now urging more consultation on the fine print of assistance for critical minerals. But after emptying the Commonwealth coffers to pay for more than half of the Ellenbrook train line, Mr Albanese wasn’t moved by WA’s call for 80 per cent Federal funding of roads. Queensland won that split for the Bruce Highway. “Every road fatality is a tragedy no matter where it is but the Bruce Highway has, I think, a special case,” Mr Albanese said. The cash splash has started as both leaders launched unofficial campaigns, with new locations to target and new policies to announce each day this week, to get a head start on opponents they hoped might still have a New Year hangover. Peter Dutton is out of the blocks too, holding his first campaign rally of the year in Victoria this weekend. But he’s yet to stand next to WA Liberal Leader Libby Mettam and face questions over their differences. Only one matters: Ms Mettam has said nuclear is fine, but not viable in Collie. Likewise, though Mr Albanese and Mr Cook are prepared bury the hatchet, nod, smile and explain their differences, other Labor faces have been restricted to being seen and not heard. Tangney MP Sam Lim walked away from questions over his alleged phone-hacking on Sunday. Bullwinkel candidate Trish Cook was steered away from taking questions on the live sheep trade on Thursday. Both are seats the Prime Minister has put on his most-wanted list. If Labor wants them, their candidates need to be able to field a question. With the election fight clearly on, albeit without a date, voters deserve to know who they’re voting for.

analysisJessica Page: Labor leaders put on show of unity as Premier waits for Prime Minister to drop the date

analysis
Jessica Page: Labor leaders put on show of unity as Premier waits for Prime Minister to drop the date