Liberals hit rock bottom with One Nation preference deal

12/11/01
The credibility of Opposition Leader Colin Barnett and the Western Australian Liberal Party has hit rock bottom following their decision to preference One Nation ahead of Labor in the Merredin by-election, according to Premier Geoff Gallop.
Dr Gallop said the preference deal, which the Liberals concealed until the morning after the Federal election, would cause long-term damage to Mr Barnett's reputation.
"Prior to the last State election, Colin Barnett was the chief Liberal Party opponent of preference deals with One Nation," he said.
"He urged all Liberals to put One Nation last on their how-to-vote cards because their policies were racially divisive and economically destructive.
"He said the issue of One Nation preferences was a moral issue for the Liberals.
"Now, in an act of desperation, he has decided to trade his principles for preferences and in doing so, has tarnished his reputation forever."
The Premier said Mr Barnett and the Liberals had clearly waited until after the Federal election to formalise their deal with One Nation.
"I have challenged Mr Barnett repeatedly in Parliament to state where One Nation would be placed on Liberal how-to-vote cards and he has responded with silence," the Premier said.
"This decision was always on the cards but the Liberals clearly wanted to avoid any fall-out in the Federal election.
"They wanted to avoid any embarrassment for the Prime Minister, whose position on One Nation preferences is well known.
"I have no doubt this decision will offend many decent Liberals."
Dr Gallop said the Labor Party had already placed One Nation last on its how-to-vote cards for the by-election, to be held on November 24.
Media contact: Kieran Murphy 9222 9475