We can win state poll, says White
LABOR’S win in Pembroke shows the party can win majority government in March, Opposition Leader Rebecca White says. Speaking after Labor candidate Jo Siejka was named the winner of the previously Liberal-held seat, Ms White said Labor had “every opportunity” to win majority government. Labor held just eight seats after its 2014 election loss, but has increased its numbers to 11 throughout this term of parliament. “What this election shows … is that the Liberal Government’s mantra that they’re the only party than can form a majority is completely shattered,” Ms White said. “We’ve won two elections very recently with campaigns that have been positive and people focused. We’ve shown very clearly that we’re serious here, we’re not just playing the game for the fun of it, we’re in it to win it, we want to provide a better option for people when it comes to the election in 2018.” Newly elected MLC Ms Siejka said she was slightly “stunned” after her surprise win, but pleased. “It will probably sink in at some point, but I’m just really excited to get in there and do the job and continue my community work,” she said. Ms Siejka will not have much time to learn the workings of the Upper House, which is due to sit again next Tuesday. “There’s a lot to get my head around in that short time, but I’ve got a really supportive bunch around me and a number of the legislative councillors — not just Labor people — have sent messages of welcome, so I’m sure there will be plenty of support for me to be ready,” she said. Treasurer Peter Gutwein said the Liberal Party would look to run a strong campaign when the seat of Pembroke came up again in 2019. Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said the Pembroke by-election had been a referendum on pokies, and Labor had secured a mandate from the electorate to remove the machines from pubs and clubs.