New polling by Freshwater Strategy, commissioned exclusively for The West Australian, show there is widespread concern with the rising cost of living, on both a state and national scale. Despite these economic pressures, WA Labor Premier Roger Cook continues to hold the highest favourability rating among state leaders.

Freshwater Strategy conducted the poll of 1,045 WA voters online, between 6-8 September 2024.

Primary Vote

Since the 2021 State election, WA Labor’s Primary vote share has declined by 21pts to 39%, returning the party to 3pts below what it achieved at the 2017 state election (42%). Correspondingly, the Liberal Party share of the Primary vote has increased by 11pts, with pick-ups across other parties.

Two-Party Preferred

On a two-party preferred basis, Labor leads the Liberal party by 55% to 45%, down 15pts on the 2021 result (WA Labor = ). This returns the WA Labor Party to similar level as the 2017 WA state election (WA Labor = 55.5%).

Swings are rarely uniform, but if there was a uniform swing at the WA election, based on these results, WA Labor’s notional seat of 53 would fall to 39.

Approval of Leaders

Current Premier Roger Cook (+7) is seen more favourable than WA Liberal leader, Libby Mettam (+4).

Preferred Premier

Roger Cook leads opposition leader Libby Mettam by 12pts as preferred Premier, while one in five (20%) are undecided.

Issue Agenda

The cost and standard of living (71%) is the most important issue facing WA voters at this time, followed by housing and accommodation (60%). Second-order issues are health & social care (30%) and crime & social order (28%).

Access more commentary on the recent poll via The West Australian, here and here.

For frequently updated insights on key voter insights, head to Freshwater Strategy’s Data Stream.

Methodology

Freshwater Strategy interviewed n=1,045 voters in Western Australia, aged 18+ online, between 6-8 September 2024. Margin of Error +/- 3.1%. Data are weighted to be representative WA of voters.