Western Australia's opposition parties have formally cemented their political partnership, signing a comprehensive coalition agreement that will see the Liberals and Nationals contest the 2029 state election as a united force.
Historic Partnership Sealed
The landmark agreement was finalised between Liberal leader Libby Mettam and Nationals leader Shane Love, creating a solidified conservative bloc to challenge the incumbent Labor government. The coalition vows to present a cohesive alternative government to Western Australian voters when they next go to the polls in five years.
Both leaders expressed confidence that their formal partnership would provide the stability and clear policy direction that voters have been seeking. The agreement comes after extensive negotiations between the two parties, who have historically maintained separate campaigns in state politics despite occasional cooperation.
Key Agreement Details and Leadership Structure
Under the newly signed terms, Shane Love will serve as opposition leader with Libby Mettam as his deputy when parliament resumes next week. This leadership structure reflects the current composition of the opposition benches in the Legislative Assembly.
The Nationals currently hold four lower house seats compared to the Liberals' two, providing the mathematical justification for this arrangement. However, both leaders emphasised this was a genuine partnership rather than merely a numbers game.
The coalition agreement outlines shared policy priorities including economic management, regional development, and government accountability. Specific policy details will be developed through joint committees in the coming months, with both parties committing to present unified positions on major legislative matters.
Strategic Implications for 2029 Election
Political analysts view this formal coalition as a strategic move to avoid vote splitting between conservative candidates, which has previously benefited Labor in several marginal seats. By presenting a united front, the opposition hopes to maximise their electoral chances against a Labor government that has maintained strong popularity in recent years.
The agreement also includes mechanisms for resolving policy disagreements between the parties, though both leaders expressed confidence that their shared values would minimise such conflicts. Regular leadership meetings and joint party room sessions will help maintain coordination as the 2029 election approaches.
This formal coalition arrangement represents a significant shift in Western Australia's political landscape, where the two conservative parties have typically maintained more distance than their federal counterparts. The decision reflects a pragmatic assessment that unity offers the best path to government after years of Labor dominance.
With the agreement now signed, both parties will immediately begin implementing their coordinated strategy, including joint policy development and campaign planning. Voters can expect to see the coalition partners appearing together at public events and speaking with one voice on key issues affecting Western Australians.
