The electorate of Collie-Preston shapes up to once again be a tight race to the finish. It is also a seat both major parties will be desperate to win if they want to form government. Here are the eight candidates in ballot order.
- 1. Don Hyland (Indp)
Mr Hyland has lived in the Collie-Preston region since 1994 and has spent most of his working life as a self-employed business proprietor. His platform for this election focuses on two key points – public service reform and accountability including parliament and calling for truth and accountability including political parties, especially in the lead-up to elections.
- 2. Gordon Tayler (Greens)
Mr Tayler is a musician, composer and conductor who has a passion for the environment. During the campaign, Mr Tayler has spoken of the need for Collie-Preston to embrace renewable energy options to ensure a sustainable future for the Collie townsite.
- 3. Monique Warnock (Nats)
Ms Warnock is a former journalist and a current City of Bunbury councillor. She was wooed away from the Liberal Party and has become a passionate supporter of the Royalties for Regions program and Brendon Grylls’ planned mining tax.
- 4. Elysia Harverson (Lib)
Mrs Harverson is a former journalist and a current Shire of Collie councillor. Mrs Harverson has often spoken during the campaign about ensuring Collie has jobs for the future. She is also quoted as saying coal-fired power is the cheapest and most reliable form of energy in WA for the foreseeable future.
- 5. Clinton Thomas (SFFP)
Mr Thomas is a father of four who works as a telecommunication technician. Mr Thomas has said he would like better access for outdoor pursuits including fishing, hunting and four-wheel driving. He also supports keeping youth in the region while they engage in studies.
- 6. Mick Murray (Labor)
Mr Murray has held the seat of Collie-Preston for 16 years, winning it in 2013 by just 56 votes. He is currently the shadow minister for regional roads, racing and gaming, forestry, South West and agriculture and food. Mr Murray has promised to open Lake Kepwari to the public within six months if Labor wins the election.
- 7. Louie Scibilia (Indp)
Mr Scibilia has been a farmer for more than 30 years and is currently based in Lowden. He was inspired to run for parliament after seeing the effects of environmental degradation on local farmland and the effects of regulations on small business owners.
- 8. David Miller (PHON)
Mr Miller joined the Pauline Hanson One Nation party to stop the “bulls**t and pork-barrelling of the major parties”. Locally he wants more apprenticeships and job security.