Nationals searching for Kalgoorlie candidate after Olsen’s cross to Liberal camp

The Kalgoorlie electorate can expect a Nationals candidate at the upcoming State election after it was revealed the party is in discussions with potential local candidates. The revelation came after Rowena Olsen — who ran as a Nationals candidate in 2021 — jumped ship to represent the Liberal Party for the next election. Nationals WA leader Shane Love was this week asked whether the party would have a candidate after Ms Olsen’s departure. “Yes, we intend to run a candidate in Kalgoorlie, and we’re talking to people in that area who want to come forward and become local representatives,” the State Opposition Leader said. “For every candidate, their timing of when they make their announcements is dependent on many things — family, employment and other matters — but we’ve got people who are very interested in running for Kalgoorlie.” Mr Love’s statement came after former Liberal MP Kyran O’Donnell confirmed last week he would contest the seat of Kalgoorlie in the upcoming State election as an independent. Mr O’Donnell held the Kalgoorlie seat — which has changed hands at every election since 2005 — before the 2021 election when Labor MP Ali Kent took over as the McGowan government was re-elected in a landslide. Ms Kent confirmed in January she would run for re-election when voters go to the polls in March. The announcement of more candidates competing for the Kalgoorlie seat was welcomed by Ms Olsen, who said it was clear the community’s needs were not being met by the the current Government. “It’s great there are people willing to put up their hand, to make Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields a better place to live,” she said. “Under Labor, childcare shortages, limited access to housing and land, concerns about community safety and frustrating, recurrent power outages have become challenges we’re just expected to put up with. “It’s clear that our community’s needs are not being met, which is why I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and fight for us once again.” Ms Olsen said the community needed a representative ready to tackle these issues head-on. “As a member of the Liberal team, I’m also fighting for real action on the cost of living, better access to improved health care, more resources for our police, and support for local businesses and entrepreneurs to help attract and retain staff,” she said. “This Labor Government has consistently overlooked the Goldfields. “It’s time for us to have a voice that truly advocates for our interests and ensures we get the attention and resources we deserve. “I will work together with our community to build a stronger, safer and more resilient Goldfields.” Responding to Mr O’Donnell’s announcement he would be standing, Ms Kent told the Kalgoorlie Miner she was prepared to stand by her record since being elected in 2021. “I’m out working hard and getting things done for the people of the Kalgoorlie electorate every day,” she said. “Like the $10 million TAFE workshop, the $6.8m basketball stadium, the massive nature playground and the fire station’s renovations.”