• New WA poll shows Labor steady, Liberals down and One Nation up 3 points
• Check out our report for full details

One Nation’s primary vote is up three points since DemosAU June’s poll, strengthening its position ahead of the Secret Harbour by-election this weekend.

Conducted between 6 to 25 August, the poll of 990 West Australians showed Labor on a 33% primary vote (no change since DemosAU June poll), The Liberals and One Nation both on 21% (-2% Liberals and +3% for One Nation), The Greens 12% (no change), Others 9% (-2%), and the Nationals 4% (+1%).

On a two-party preferred basis, Labor leads the Liberals 54-46% (Labor +1% since June).

Roger Cook has extended his lead as preferred premier over Basil Zempilas 46-32% (+2% gain for Cook since June and -1% for Zempilas).

On personal ratings Roger Cook had the most positive score of all leaders tested (34%) compared to 30% for Zempilas. One Nation WA leader Rod Caddies’ net positive score was -3% lower since June (-15% net positive score).

More West Australians believe the state is headed in the wrong direction (45%) compared to 34% in the right direction (wrong direction +2%).

Cost of living and inflation remained the top issue for voters (36%) while housing affordability and homelessness was second (28%).

A total of 66% of voters believed the Cook State Government was doing a bad job on housing (+5%) and cost of living (+5%). Conversely there were net movements toward the government on education and job creation.

DemosAU Head of Research George Hasanakos said the biggest mover in the poll was One Nation while Labor has remained steady.

“The attention on One Nation from the Secret Harbour by-election has hurt the Liberals more than Labor with the Liberals down two per cent on primary and Labor steady.

“What the statewide trend tells us for the Secret Harbour by-election is that we should see a significant swing against Labor on primary votes and One Nation is likely to be outpolling the Liberals.

“Whether One Nation can take the seat from Labor is dependent on the effectiveness of their local by-election campaign and favourable preference flows from the Liberals, right-wing minor parties, and assorted independents.

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