Aly issues caution over election result

Cowan MP Anne Aly has warned voters of using the recent Western Australian results to predict the upcoming federal election, while reflecting on the tight race in Fremantle.

The Federal Early Childhood Education and Youth Minister today acknowledged the success of the state’s Labor party in being re-elected to parliament on March 8.

Dr Aly said the Western Australian election result exceeded everyone’s expectations.

However, Dr Aly also acknowledged the tight race in the seat of Fremantle which had been called for incumbent member Simone McGurk after initial predictions of independent candidate Kate Hulett usurping the long-standing Labor MP.

“I think we should always, always, always be really cautious about reading too much into state elections and the implications that they have federal elections,” she said.

“Certainly, the state election last week returned Cook Labor government, which shows that Australia that Western Australians are happy with the Cook Labor government.

“But it also shows that the Liberals had eight years to prove to Western Australians that they were either a viable option or ready to govern. 

“The fact that West Australians understand that a steady hand of the ship, particularly when we’re facing some global headwinds of uncertainty, a steady hand at the ship that has demonstrated good governance is what we really need by now.”

Dr Aly is seeking re-election to the federal seat of Cowan, which she held since the 2016 election.

She will be running against Liberal candidate Felicia Adeniyi and Matt Count, the candidate for the Greens.

Cowan was one of the most marginal seats in the federal election in 2016.

“I’ve been there. I’ve been in that position where it’s taken 10 days to count the seat,” Dr Aly said. 

“I feel for Simone [McGurk] but she’s made it through.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has yet to call a date for the federal election, which will have to be held on or before May 17.