UPDATE: The WA Liberal and National parties are officially moving forward with plans to form a Coalition, aiming for a united front in the 2029 State Election. Just confirmed, party leaders Basil Zempilas and Shane Love have initiated steps to establish a formal alliance, breaking with their longstanding independent approach.
This significant development comes after months of speculation about the future of their political partnership. According to sources from The West Australian, the State directors of both parties are now tasked with drafting a Coalition agreement, which must ultimately be approved by their respective State councils.
Simon Morgan, Liberal State director, stated, “The Alliance agreement signed by our respective parliamentary leaders in March committed our two parties to beginning discussions on how our parties could potentially work together leading up to the 2029 State Election before the end of this year.” Initial discussions between parliamentary and organizational leadership have already commenced and are set to continue into 2026.
However, significant hurdles lie ahead. A primary sticking point is the candidate placement on a proposed joint ticket for the 37-person Upper House. Reports indicate that the Nationals demand three of the top fifteen placements. Additionally, there are unresolved policy disagreements, particularly surrounding the Nationals’ recent decision to abandon their net zero policy, leaving the Liberals’ stance on climate issues uncertain.
Mr. Love has previously asserted that their best chance to defeat the Labor Party in 2029 hinges on forming this Coalition. He warned, “If we can’t reach a position we will go our own way,” emphasizing the urgency of their negotiations. Furthermore, at the Nationals’ State conference in August, local branches have echoed this sentiment, urging for a formal agreement with the Liberals.
Mr. Zempilas is on record expressing his desire for a closer relationship with the Nationals. He co-opened Mr. Love’s new office in Northam and attended events like the Dowerin Field Day alongside him. “We want to put ourselves in the best possible position for the 2029 election, and if that means a formal Coalition, then it makes sense to explore that possibility,” he stated on Saturday.
The urgency of this Coalition is underscored by recent electoral failures for both parties. In the 2025 State and Federal elections, the Liberals and Nationals faced off against each other in critical seats, resulting in a devastating loss for conservatives. WA Labor emerged victorious, winning 46 of 59 seats in the Legislative Assembly, while the Federal elections saw Labor secure 11 of 16 seats in Western Australia.
As the negotiations progress, all eyes will be on how both parties navigate these challenges. The political landscape is shifting rapidly, and the implications for the 2029 State Election could reshape the future of Western Australian politics. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
