In the tightly contested electoral battleground of Fremantle, the stakes are sky-high as incumbent Labor MP Simone McGurk grapples with the formidable challenge posed by independent candidate Kate Hulett. The political landscape has become anything but predictable.
As counting progresses post-WA election on Saturday, preliminary results show that more than half of the ballots cast in the district have been tallied. Yet, the Western Australia Electoral Commission (WAEC) has chosen to enter a phase of heightened scrutiny, acknowledging the nail-biting closeness of the contest.
The WAEC is diligently analyzing the so-called “two-candidate preferred indicative count,” a critical metric that forecasts who among the two leading contenders might be at the forefront. This meticulous evaluation comes amid an outcry over how polling was conducted on election day, with residents potentially left in suspense regarding the final outcome in Fremantle for several days to come.
Hulett has raised alarms about disruptions experienced at polling sites and complications with the vote-counting procedure. “We encountered massive queues at numerous booths, and many voters were turned away… some even from outside the electorate,” she revealed during her conversation with ABC Radio Perth. “I worry that significant votes from beyond Fremantle might not be counted today.”
Hulett’s Message to Labor
Having captured the seat since 2013, McGurk entered this election bolstered by a substantial margin of 27.3 percent while overseeing critical portfolios like training and workforce development, water, and industrial relations. Yet, the winds of change may converge to reshape her trajectory, heralded by Hulett, who campaigns with Climate 200’s backing, advocating for urgent climate action and questioning the government’s ties to the gas sector.
Hulett attributes the seismic shift from Labor to her campaign’s refreshing narrative that resonates with the voters of Fremantle. “This election is a clear referendum on Labor’s track record during their rule over the past two terms in WA,” she contended. “We’ve presented the electorate with a genuine alternative to the dominant parties.”
She continued, “The Labor party, both in our state and on the national stage, must seriously reflect on these pressing issues we have highlighted.”
‘A Challenging Appeal to Electorate
As the unfolding narrative starts to reveal itself, McGurk acknowledges that environmental concerns dominate the electorate’s consciousness. “This matter is of utmost importance,” she emphasized during her dialogue with ABC Radio Perth. “When I articulated our governmental successes, the feedback was largely positive. However, I’ve come to realize that we failed to sufficiently communicate our message.”
Adding to her concerns, she noted an intense urgency among the populace regarding climate change, which is palpably reflected in voting decisions. Addressing claims of the Labor government’s proximity to the gas industry, McGurk remarked that discussing such dilemmas—especially with younger constituents—poses significant hurdles. “We must balance discourse about job creation and economic diversification while remaining accountable for our environmental commitments,” she stated.
“I believe we can’t ignore the resounding message echoing from the voters of Fremantle.”
Furthermore, McGurk attributes the redistribution of the seat—which resulted in a loss of traditional Labor areas—as a salient factor influencing the current electoral outcome.
Counting Controversies
Ellie, engaged in polling operations at a primary school in Bibra Lake on Saturday, recounted a chaotic experience: “By midday, we had run out of ballot papers,” she told ABC Radio Perth. “It was an eventful day, to say the least.”
“Despite having six or seven staff members, we commenced at 7 a.m. and wrapped up at 10 p.m.,” she detailed. “We faced a ballot paper shortage three times, and unfortunately, we had to cease accepting votes around 5 p.m.”
Conversely, WAEC Commissioner Robert Kennedy conveyed skepticism about the process, stating that staff were concentrating on completing the ballot count before delving into the shortcomings witnessed at polling sites. “Our foremost concern is to finalize the count over the coming weeks for the one and a half million voters who participated,” he said, pledging a comprehensive review of events post-election.
Editor’s note 1pm: This story initially suggested a recount was underway in Fremantle, which has been corrected; a review of candidate standings is currently in progress with an emphasis on the leading contenders, Kate Hulett and Simone McGurk.
