WA Liberals Face Internal Review After Disappointing Election Results

In the wake of a dismal performance in the 2025 Western Australia (WA) state election, the Liberal Party is grappling with a comprehensive internal review that has unveiled critical recommendations aimed at revitalizing its future. The party secured only seven out of 59 lower house seats, a stark contrast to its ambitions and a clear signal of the need for significant reform.

Election Fallout and Internal Audit

The 2025 election results prompted a wave of introspection within the WA Liberals, leading to an internal audit that has surfaced 78 recommendations for party leadership. This review, which has been made available to the public, highlights the urgent need for stronger candidate vetting, the implementation of more effective policies, and a concerted effort to recruit a diverse range of candidates, particularly women.

The party’s lackluster performance has drawn sharp criticism from within its ranks, with many members questioning the effectiveness of the campaign strategies employed. The internal audit suggests a shift from “small target” strategies to bolder policy proposals that resonate with younger voters, emphasizing the importance of digital engagement in modern campaigning.

The Need for Candidate Vetting

One of the most pressing issues identified in the review is the necessity for improved vetting of candidates. The 2025 election was marred by a series of controversies surrounding candidate conduct and statements, which detracted from the party’s focus on policy issues. For instance, former Liberal candidate Darren Spackman faced backlash for his comments regarding a break-in at his business, while other candidates were scrutinized for derogatory social media posts.

The report calls for enforceable consequences for candidates who engage in “ill-disciplined and unauthorized media engagement.” It also suggests the development of a “statute of limitations” on historical social media content, a move aimed at mitigating the impact of past indiscretions on current campaigns.

Policy Development and Public Perception

The WA Labor Party capitalized on the perception that the Liberals lacked coherent policies, a narrative that the internal review seeks to counter. The authors of the audit recommend that the party assertively promote and advertise its policies earlier in the electoral cycle to build credibility and trust with voters. This is particularly crucial as the party prepares for future elections, including the upcoming federal poll.

Libby Mettam, who led the party into the recent election, has downplayed claims of a policy deficit, asserting that the party will focus on refining its policy offerings to ensure they resonate with the electorate. However, the review’s findings suggest that a more proactive approach to policy development is essential for regaining voter confidence.

Key Performance Indicators for Candidates

In a bid to enhance candidate accountability, the review proposes the establishment of key performance indicators (KPIs) for Upper House MPs. These KPIs would require candidates to engage in essential campaigning activities, such as door-knocking and community outreach. This recommendation reflects a broader recognition that active engagement with constituents is vital for electoral success.

Former WA Liberal leader Mike Nahan has criticized some upper house MPs for their lack of community engagement, emphasizing that the party’s future success hinges on the commitment of its members to connect with voters.

Increasing Female Participation

The internal review also underscores the importance of increasing female representation within the party. While the 2021 review emphasized the urgency of this issue, the latest report adopts a more measured approach, recommending efforts to attract and encourage female candidates. The party preselected 19 women for the recent election, representing 32% of its candidates, but only two were successful.

Basil Zempilas, the current opposition leader, has acknowledged the need for greater female participation, stating, “It is very clear… we do not have enough women who are part of the WA Liberal Party team.” This acknowledgment reflects a growing recognition within the party of the importance of diversity in political representation.

A Shift in Focus

The 2025 review marks a departure from the previous assessment conducted after the 2021 election, which described the party as a “wasteland devoid of values.” The latest report is more focused on campaign strategies rather than the party’s internal culture and structure. This shift in focus may indicate a desire to address immediate electoral challenges rather than long-term structural issues.

The full report’s release is still pending, and a vote on its recommendations is expected to take place at a state council meeting in December. The party’s leadership faces the challenge of implementing these recommendations effectively to rebuild its standing in WA politics.

Conclusion

The WA Liberals are at a critical juncture following their disappointing performance in the 2025 state election. The internal review has provided a roadmap for reform, emphasizing the need for better candidate vetting, proactive policy development, and increased female representation. As the party prepares for future electoral battles, its ability to adapt and respond to these challenges will be crucial in regaining the trust of the electorate and revitalizing its political fortunes.