Countdown to 2025 State election stirs MPs’ nasty sides

“November madness” has well and truly descended on State Parliament, as MPs ramp up their attacks ahead of an election that promises to be bitter and personal. That’s according to retiring Speaker Michelle Roberts, who also dubbed Liberal Leader Libby Mettam the “worst behaved MP in the house” ahead of the final sitting week of State Parliament. The last sitting day on Thursday will mark 100 days until Western Australians go to the polls. Ms Roberts said that November was “always the worst” month for badly behaved MPs. “The jacarandas come out and there’s a bit of November madness . . . the election coming up is another thing,” she said. Ms Roberts said Ms Mettam’s “relatively limited experience in Parliament” and lack of knowledge of the standing orders — rules used to manage the work of the Senate and the House of Representatives — didn’t do her any favours. “She’s quick to complain but she’s probably the worst behaved MP in the house . . . she just doesn’t know when to stop,” she added. Liberal candidate and rumoured leadership rival Basil Zempilas has accused Labor of treating Ms Mettam “like a rag doll”, after Attorney-General John Quigley compared her to a “vacuous airhead” in August during debate about family violence laws. Ms Mettam said she was focused on issues ahead of “petty personality politics” and does not believe she has gone too far, rejecting Government complaints she has “politicised” child deaths in hospitals. “I focus on delivering for the people of Western Australia. I’m not distracted by personal insults,” she said. “The Health Minister should focus on fixing the health system that she and the Premier broke rather than playing silly political games.” Ms Roberts, who is the longest serving woman MP in WA, said the behaviour of parliamentarians used to be much worse. “Not a single person has been thrown out in this term of Parliament,” she said. “What used to exist when I first arrived, that kind of private schoolboy debating style and the one-upmanship and the nasty stuff . . . the tone has definitely changed. “Having more women in the Chamber has made a difference.” Labor has a massive majority, with 53 of the 59 seats in the Legislative Assembly. That has emboldened Labor MP’s who frequently interject and jeer the Opposition. Ms Roberts insisted the Opposition has been given ample opportunity to argue its case. “I have given the Opposition six questions to the Government’s five . . . I’ve given them vastly more than they would warrant on their numbers,” she said. “I appreciate it’s been difficult for them with only six members and that’s partly why I intervene quite firmly. I’ve been really keen to see the six of them not get drowned out in the Chamber and have an opportunity to be heard, which they do and they have been.” Labor versus Liberal is not the only battle that will shape the State election. Amber-Jade Sanderson vs Aswath Chavittupara Despite a 28 per cent majority, Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson and the Government’s record on health will come under the spotlight when she goes head-to-head with Liberal candidate Aswath Chavittupara for the seat of Morley. Mr Chavittupara’s daughter Aishwarya was aged seven when she died of sepsis after waiting more than two hours inside Perth Children’s Hospital. “As Health Minister I have overseen the implementation of all the recommendations into Aishwarya’s death, including the introduction of nurse-to-patient ratios,” Ms Sanderson said. “My local record is strong, every school in our community has had improved facilities . . . the new Morley and Noranda train stations will open soon.” Mr Chavittupara is yet to face questions over other policy areas. He said he was putting his campaign on hold this week to set off on a 310 kilometre walk, fundraising for Aishwarya’s Foundation. “If there is a person that has control to fix it, to do something regarding the slow progress of our health system it is the Health Minister,” he said. “I think she needs to step up and do something.” Shane Love vs Merome Beard There was only room for one after a redistribution formed the newly merged seat of Mid West. And so Merome Beard — who shocked WA politics when she defected from the Nationals to the Liberals — is taking on former colleague Shane Love. Mr Love, the leader of the Nationals, said his experience matters, while Ms Beard has argued she’s in it “for the long haul” with the Liberal Party. “Our communities deserve to have a strong voice in the party room . . . and to be at the table with the Premier and Treasurer,” she said. She didn’t answer questions about the Liberal Party’s position on gun rights — nominated by Mr Love as a key policy difference. “(The Liberals) supported the Labor Party legislation; we did not,” he said. John Carey vs Basil Zempilas Two former television journalists turned mayors with the gift of the gab. Both are capable of landing a verbal punch and have become regular sparring partners. Enough said. Basil Zempilas vs Libby Mettam Ms Mettam wasn’t invited to the opening of the Churchlands campaign office, even before speculation Mr Zempilas could take over the leadership hit fever pitch. Since then, both have attempted, but failed, to draw a line in the sand. They are both due to attend a function in Scarborough on Sunday night. What’s that about keeping your friends close? “Basil is an important member or our team,” Ms Mettam said. Libby Mettam vs Shane Love The Nationals Leader has admitted there is tension between them but said that is a good thing. “We talk often, we’re talking about tactics for Parliament next week,” he said. As for handing over the title of Opposition Leader? “That would be the right thing to do, but the opportunity has passed. It’s a mute point,” Ms Mettam said. Roger Cook vs (insert name here) Labor is preparing two battle plans, one for a Libby Mettam-led Liberal party and the other in case Mr Zempilas steps into the position. But, due to numbers, Shane Love is technically Opposition Leader. Amber-Jade Sanderson vs Rita Saffioti There was no love lost when Rita Saffioti’s numbers swung behind Roger Cook to become Premier ahead of Ms Sanderson in May 2023. At 59, Roger Cook is still a few years away from retirement age. But Labor MP’s are watching closely for a succession plan. The March campaign could determine a frontrunner.