Senior Western Australian government minister and Labor stalwart Paul Papalia is set to announce his resignation from politics this week, triggering a by-election in the southern Perth seat of Secret Harbour that could open the door to a resurgent One Nation.
The ABC has confirmed that Labor MPs have been summoned to a caucus meeting on Friday, where it is understood a new minister will be elected. Papalia's departure leaves Labor and Premier Roger Cook with a by-election fight on their hands.
While One Nation polled just 8.4 per cent of the vote in 2025, rapid growth in support for the party in national polls has buoyed the local branch's hopes in the by-election Papalia's departure will trigger. It comes after One Nation scored a historic win in the federal by-election for the New South Wales seat of Farrer, with David Farley becoming the party's first-ever candidate to be elected to the House of Representatives.
But a local poll conducted by DemosAU in early June found Labor remained the most popular party in the state, followed by the Liberals and One Nation in third with 18 per cent of the primary vote.
Papalia enforced a "tough on crime" approach when he was police minister, leading the introduction of WA's stringent knife laws and the biggest changes to the state's firearms laws in decades.
His resignation is expected to be announced this week, with the by-election to follow in the coming months.
The by-election is expected to be closely contested, with One Nation aiming to capitalize on its recent surge in support. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Western Australian Parliament.
Papalia's departure marks a significant shift in Western Australian politics, with the potential for a new political landscape to emerge in the region.
The by-election is expected to draw significant attention from both local and national media, as political analysts and commentators closely monitor the race. The outcome will likely influence the strategies of major political parties in the lead-up to the next state election.
As the by-election approaches, all eyes will be on Secret Harbour to see if One Nation can translate its national momentum into a local victory, or if the traditional major parties can retain control of the seat.
The political dynamics in Western Australia are shifting, and the Secret Harbour by-election will be a key indicator of the state's evolving political landscape.
Voters in Secret Harbour will have the opportunity to make their voices heard in the upcoming by-election, which is expected to be a pivotal moment in Western Australian politics.
The by-election will also serve as a test for the leadership of Premier Roger Cook, who will be keen to maintain Labor's hold on the seat. The outcome could have broader implications for the party's standing in the state.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the Secret Harbour by-election will be a crucial event to watch in the coming months.
The resignation of Paul Papalia and the subsequent by-election have set the stage for a dynamic and competitive political contest in Western Australia. All eyes will be on Secret Harbour as the by-election unfolds.
The by-election is expected to be a closely watched event, with political observers analyzing every development in the lead-up to the vote. The outcome will provide valuable insights into the current state of Western Australian politics and the influence of emerging political forces like One Nation.
As the date for the by-election approaches, the political climate in Western Australia is expected to become increasingly charged, with all major parties vying for support in the crucial seat of Secret Harbour.
The by-election will be a defining moment for Western Australian politics, with the potential to reshape the state's political future.
Voters in Secret Harbour will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the state's political trajectory in the upcoming by-election.