Liberal preselection hopeful Rob Dines confirms he is sitting out 2025 election as he has ‘plenty of time’

Businessman and president of the Geraldton and Durack Liberal party branches Rob Dines has confirmed he will not be nominating for preselection for the 2025 State election.

The former Liberal candidate ran for the Geraldton seat unsuccessfully in 2021, losing to Labor’s Lara Dalton.

“Circumstances have changed for me,” Mr Dines told the Geraldton Guardian last week.

He lists his young family, growing business and age as the trio of reasons he will not be putting his hat in the ring for the Liberal party this time around.

“Our business has grown, our kids are still really young and I turn 40 later this year,” he said.

“For me there is no major rush. Young politicians have a place but what I’m saying is — I’ve got plenty of time still.”

The owner and operator of Ocean Air Solutions, Mr Dines is confident there will be an appetite for members to nominate.

Preselection closure dates have not been set, but Mr Dines believes it will be in the second half of April and is of the firm belief there are strong candidates out there.

His optimism for the Liberals to win the seat of Geraldton is clear. “We can win this and we will win this,” he said.

“The Liberal Party brand is on the up,” he said.

“There’s no doubt that since Libby Mettam took over as State leader, we’ve seen a return of support for the party.”

When questioned on the most pressing issues for the local electorate, Mr Dines said the answer was clear.

“Well, it’s actually really simple because not a lot has happened since the last election. So all of the issues that were on the table at the last election, are still on the table,” he said.

“The hospital has gone nowhere ... Oakajee we haven’t even seen an access road. Upgrades to the power transmission. And as we have seen, law and order.”

Mr Dines said the ideal candidate for the Liberals was someone with energy, vitality and local connection.

“It’s much harder now for regional West Australians to have their voice heard in Parliament,” he said.

“So it’s important that we do have someone representing us who understands who we are (and) where we come from,” he said.

“It could be a young woman, young man, someone professional. It could be a tradie. We’re not fixated on one type of candidate — we want someone who’s passionate.”

Mr Dines is yet to be made aware of anyone nominating themselves for preselection for the Liberals.