At least ten line up for State Liberal ticket

South West Liberal Party members will be clamouring to nominate for the party’s pre-selection to represent the region in the Upper House of State Parliament.

Nominations close at noon on Tuesday and the six positions on the party’s ticket for the South West Region are expected to be confirmed in February ahead of the 2017 State Election.

The first three Liberals on the ticket, Robyn McSweeney, Nigel Hallett and Barry House, were elected to the Upper House at the 2013 election.

Interest in the pre-selection has heightened following the retirement of Mr House, who called for the party to use the pre-selection process to rejuvenate its parliamentary team.

The South Western Times can reveal that at least 10 Liberals will nominate for the party’s ticket, including sitting members Mr Hallett and Mrs McSweeney, but the final number of nominations could reach the teens.

The other confirmed candidates include Bunbury city councillor Michelle Steck, former Capel MLA Steve Thomas, Bunbury lawyer Ian Morison, Busselton city councillor Paul Carter and former councillor Jenny Green, Manjimup shire president Wade DeCampo, Albany resident Tony Norment and Peel Development Commission chairman Paul Fitzpatrick.

Mr Hallett confirmed for the first time this week he would renominate for the Upper House.

He said he wanted to continue his 10-year political career but would abide by the party decision.

But Mr Hallett said it would be a “disaster for the region” if the party chose fresh faces for the ticket and removed him and Mrs McSweeney from the Parliament.

“I think in my case I have experience, a good knowledge of business and agriculture and I have been prepared to tackle the hard issues which have gone against my city colleagues, ” he said.

Mr Hallett said he was happy with his decision to move to Mandurah after previously being based in Bunbury.

Mrs McSweeney said she would definitely renominate.

“I love what I am doing and I am going to continue to represent the people of the South West, ” she said.

“I hope there are a lot of people who nominate because there would be healthy competition for Barry’s position.”

Members of the Upper House are paid an annual salary of $154,223 plus entitlements.