Western Australia political donations surge ahead of Secret Harbour byelection

Data from the Western Australian Electoral Commission reveals significant political donations to major parties ahead of the Secret Harbour byelection. Since July 1, WA Labor has received over $650,000 in gifted donations, substantially outpacing the WA Liberals, which received just under $190,000.

Key contributors include Leichhardt Industrials Group, which donated $27,500 to a Labor-associated entity. The Liberal Party received $27,500 each from Austral Limited, Hall and Prior Aged Care, and Coogee Chemicals. Woodside Energy has provided nearly $15,000 to WA Labor and $5,000 to the Liberals during this period.

The donations come amid scrutiny of Labor candidate Georgia Tree, a former Woodside government relations staffer. During a press conference regarding her background in the resources sector, Tree identified herself as ‘pro-gas’. Woodside Energy stated that its disclosed activities are consistent with attendance at established political forums and that it does not endorse or donate to campaign funds for specific candidates or politicians.