The WA Election

Perth is such a long way from Sydney. Easy to forget those over there, despite the fact that my anticedents come from that part of the world.

Didn't take too much notice of the WA state election campaign. Kept up to date with Rob's blog, but not much more than that. Took it for granted that Labor would lose. After all, they (seemingly) won last time because One Nation split the coalition vote. Huge conservative gerrymander. An uphill battle.

Until J.W. Howard wouldn't come to the party with Federal funding for Colin Barnett's proposed canal to supply water to Perth from the Kimberley.

Then, driving home late last week, listening to an interview with Barnett on the ABC's PM program. I didn't realise what a turkey he was.

"Yes, I'm [Barnett] going to go ahead with the canal. No need for costings or feasibility studies. I'm decisive, unlike the government who insists on looking at options and performing cost / benefit analysis."

Maybe Labor is in with chance!

Finally, the disastrous interview when the numbers didn't add up. Barnett debates with the media. "Of course I'm right!" Whoops, maybe there is a mistake. Most swinging voters would have made up their minds at that moment.

Labor is re-elected, keeping all the State governments in Labor's hands.

A nice result, at a time when progressives are on the back foot. Is it an omen? The heart says 'yes;' the head says 'no.'