For the first time in the over 100-year-history of The Nationals WA, the party has preselected local champions to contest seats in the metropolitan region.
At a special State Council meeting in Kalamunda this weekend, The Nationals WA confirmed candidates for the Seats of Bateman, Darling Range, Kalamunda and South Perth ahead of the 2025 State Election.
State President Julie Freeman said it was a momentous occasion and the selection of high-quality local champions signalled an appetite for change as voters shifted away from the major parties.
“We know there is a clear appetite from Perth voters for a common-sense alternative to the major parties, and The Nationals WA are providing that choice.
“Over the past several months we have been overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm of local champions across Perth and regional WA, and we are proud to announce our inaugural tranche of candidates for The Nationals WA from the metropolitan region.”
Mt Pleasant resident and business owner Donna Gordin has been selected to represent the electorate of Bateman.
“A local business owner, Donna has a long history of community advocacy and engagement. She is a former Chair of Camp Kulin Charities Inc. and a member of the Brentwood Village Town Team.”
Como local Jonathan Shack will represent The Nationals WA in South Perth.
“Jonathan has a wealth of experience and is deeply respected within WA’s business community and beyond. He has an eager mind for policy development and will ensure The Nationals WA put forward new ideas for WA families, businesses and communities.”
Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale councillor Morgan Byas will join the team in Darling Range, while local champion Lisa Logan will represent Kalamunda.
“Lisa Logan is a Kalamunda local and long time National Party member. Lisa has worked across small business, Local & State Government and the not-for-profit sectors. She is also a dedicated volunteer across a variety of community groups.
“Morgan is a life-long local in Darling Range, well known for his work in Local Government and advocating for the community. Morgan’s focus has long been on ensuring the community gets the infrastructure and services it needs as a hyper-growth area.
“The peri-urban regions of Perth have been ignored and had their potential undervalued by the major parties. Morgan and Lisa are excellent local champions with strong roots in the Perth Hills,” Ms Freeman said.
The Nationals WA have also selected their candidate for the Pilbara this weekend, Karratha mining specialist Kieran Dart.
“Kieran is a Pilbara local, through and through. He understands the industry and the community as only someone with roots in the region can. He is a trusted voice in the mining sector, and has been recognised as an important link between the business operations of mining and the communities it supports.”
“With a strong history in the Electorate of Pilbara, The Nationals WA are well placed with Kieran as their local champion.”
“From the red dirt of the Pilbara to the leafy streets of suburbia, one thing is clear, The Nationals WA stand ready to lead this state into a bright future.” Ms Freeman said.
