Lack of One Nation by-election policy slammed by WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti as campaign heats up
The WA Treasurer has targeted One Nation for its lack of policies after voters made it clear they were disillusioned by cost-of-living pressures, healthcare and housing.
Rita Saffioti has called out One Nation’s lack of policy offerings for the Secret Harbour by-election as she urged voters to think about which party can deliver for them.
Labor and One Nation are locked in a tight race in a previously safe red seat, due to the retirement of long-standing minister Paul Papalia at a time the right-wing party is surging in the polls.
The WA Treasurer took the opportunity on Saturday to target One Nation for its lack of policies after voters in the electorate made it clear to The West Australian they were disillusioned by cost-of-living pressures, healthcare and housing.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The party’s Luke Herdegen has previously declined to commit to solid policy positions on issues such as homelessness and crime, saying it will come before the State election in 2029.
Ms Saffioti said the party was not providing voters with the information they needed.
“One Nation has no policies, they’ve said they’re not going to announce any policies until 2029 for Western Australia,” she said.
“I just find that outstanding . . . it’s inconceivable that you’re running for a seat with zero policies.
“I say to the people of Secret Harbour, look at the policies, look at a WA Labor Party that has put WA first — that is making sure we deliver a strong economy, a strong set of finances, and the services and the infrastructure to everyone across the State.”
Mr Herdegen and WA One Nation leader Rod Caddies again refused to go into policy detail on Saturday.
Mr Caddies said he did not want to make commitments before he was in a position to realistically pursue them.
“Whether it be the Premier or Rita (Saffioti) making these claims . . . they claim we have a Queensland leader. I’m the State leader of One Nation in WA so what they say is always political,” he said.
“We have plenty of policy, our policies are ones that we don’t make promises we can’t keep — like the Labor Government who have continually promised the Karnup Station and have promised it again. Since 2013 they haven’t delivered.
“We have got policies that we will bring when we are going to form government at the next State election.”
Mr Herdegen said his aim was to keep the government honest.
“We’re focused on making sure that the government is held accountable for the promises they have made, making sure they do deliver the the train station in Karnup.”
