Federal election 2025: Bullwinkel down to the wire, race to be decided by postal votes

Western Australia’s newest seat is also the State’s closest, with only 87 votes separating Labor candidate Trish Cook and Liberal rival Matt Moran in Bullwinkel and less than 4000 postal votes left to count.

A three-way contest complicated the count, with star Nationals recruit Mia Davies dragging attention away from the Liberal campaign.

But the former State Opposition Leader appeared stranded in third place on a primary vote of 16.4 per cent, with her preferences flowing Mr Moran’s way.

He was optimistic, but cautious, when he thanked supporters, desperate for some good news, in Kalamunda on Saturday night.

“What a ride, we’re not there yet,” Mr Moran said.

“I talk about resilience and I’ve done a fair few things in my life, I can tell you this has been the toughest but it’s also been the most enjoyable because it’s something I believe it. It’s about service and that means a lot.

“We ran a disciplined campaign, a strong campaign and a local campaign . . . I am committed to this community, let’s bring it home.”

Mr Moran said cost-of-living was his focus, but his bid for office was also boosted by the Keep The Sheep campaign against a looming ban on live exports.

On Sunday, Labor vowed to push ahead with the controversial policy as Ms Cook clung to hopes she could hold on to a 50.1 to 49.9 two-party preferred lead.

“I’m feeling great, I’m delighted with the Labor win, I’m so pleased for my teammates,” she said.

“Obviously we’re counting in Bullwinkel. I’m a nurse, I’m a midwife and, particularly as a midwife, I’m used to waiting so we’ll just have to wait and see.

“Labor cares for farmers and we want farms to farm sheep. We want to see those sheep processed here, we want those jobs here and we’ve given a $139 million package over a four year period to support farmers through that transition.”

WA Senator Linda Reynolds was hopeful Mr Moran could still pull off the only Liberal victory in the State.

“There’s no way of sugar coating it, this has been a really tough night for the Liberal party nationally,” she said.

“But we are absolutely in the fight . . . this has been a mighty campaign. Nobody in this campaign, here in WA or probably nationally, has worked harder than Matt has to secure this inaugural seat of Bullwinkel.”