Blyth to take on Porter in Pearce

Biosecurity officer and former tree farm owner Steve Blyth will take on Liberal incumbent Christian Porter in the seat of Pearce for the WA Nationals at the upcoming Federal election.

Mr Blyth said the best thing he could do was lend an ear rather than push his own ideas on the electorate.

“I think the way I can help shape that is by listening to the community and seeing what they want,” he said.

“I don’t believe they are getting strong representation and I have a lot to offer.

“I have done a lot of things in my life: run my own business, travelled extensively, lectured at TAFE, involvement with health, and with all those life experiences I believe I am a strong candidate.”

Mr Blyth said it was important that in the face of Perth’s urban sprawl encroaching on some of the electorates biggest towns, the lifestyle enjoyed by residents was retained.

“We fiercely want to defend that,” he said.

“I would hate to see wall-to-wall houses all the way through to Cervantes, but population is growing.”

Mr Blyth was one of four candidates announced last week to join Senate hopeful Nick Fardell and O’Connor candidate John Hassell under the Nationals banner.