Australian Premier Seeks Vote Delay Amid Falling Labor Support

Roger Cook is seeking legal advice to see whether he can change the date of the state election, which could run at the same time as the federal poll.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (second left) is seen walking with WA Premier Roger Cook (left), former WA Premier Mark McGowan, and Labor candidate for Rockingham Magenta Marshall (right) during a walk around Rockingham centre in Rockingham, south of Perth, Australia, on July 8, 2023. AAP Image/Richard Wainwright

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook, who leads the State’s Labor government, says he will seek legal advice on rescheduling the state election, currently set for March 8, to avoid a potential overlap with a federal election, if Prime Minister Anthony Albanese decides to go to the polls early.

Political observers say Cook is concerned that if he faces the electorate first, he may suffer due to declining support for Albanese and the federal Labor government.