A Glimpse into WA’s Election Strategy: Sidestepping Labor’s Candidate at Media Events

The recent media events in Secret Harbour, a key electorate in Western Australia’s upcoming byelection, have provided insight into the state government’s election strategy. Premier Roger Cook and his team touted their achievements and commitments to the local community, but one notable absentee from these events was Labor’s candidate for the seat, Georgia Tree.

Cook downplayed the significance of keeping Tree from speaking at the media events, citing that she was “pressed for time” at an event announcing funding for the Karnup train station. However, this move raises questions about the government’s confidence in its own candidate. By denying Tree a platform to engage with voters and address their concerns directly, the government is effectively preventing her from communicating with constituents.

The strategy may be a calculated risk, but it could backfire. By not allowing Tree to speak at these events, the government is withholding an opportunity for voters to hear firsthand about Labor’s vision for Secret Harbour. This lack of transparency can reinforce the perception that the government is more interested in presenting a polished image than genuinely engaging with its constituents.

Cook’s justification for keeping Tree from speaking – that she had already addressed numerous press conferences and was thus not needed at these events – strains credulity. Voters want to hear directly from their candidates, not just filtered soundbites from the government’s media team.

The timing of the Karnup train station announcement is also noteworthy. By making this announcement in conjunction with funding for a community event, the government is attempting to frame its own commitment to the project as evidence of good governance and ability to deliver on promises. However, this move raises questions about the government’s priorities: is it more interested in showcasing achievements than genuinely addressing local needs?

The contrast between Cook’s defense of Tree’s sidelining and her own words – “I’ve heard loud and clear from my community that they want to see Metronet Karnup Station built” – highlights a disconnect between the government’s spin and reality. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will pay off for the government, but one thing is certain: voters are not easily fooled by such tactics.

As the byelection campaign intensifies, it will be interesting to watch how the government continues to employ its media management tactics. Will they continue to keep Tree from speaking at events, or will they allow her to engage with voters directly? The answer may hold the key to understanding the true intentions of this government and its leaders.

This episode serves as a reminder that politics is not just about spinning messages and managing media appearances – it’s about genuine engagement with the people who matter most: voters. As the Secret Harbour byelection approaches, one thing is clear: only time will tell whether Cook’s strategy will pay off or ultimately backfire in spectacular fashion.