Federal Election 2025: Will Labor maintain its stronghold on central Perth electorate?

Labor member Patrick Gorman will be pushing to maintain the seat he has held since 2018.

Located in the heart of WA, the Perth electorate represents the CBD and neighbouring suburbs which the senior Labor party member has held a tight grip to for years.

“It is an incredible community, and being their voice in the federal parliament is an absolute honour, and one that I hope I continue to have after the third of May,” Mr Gorman told The West Australian.

In an election dominated by concerns about cost of living and housing, Mr Gorman said Labor were working hard to find solutions and take the pressure off household budgets.

Mr Gorman also serves as the assistant minister to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

“What I know about Perth electorate is that it’s full of people who want results, and I can point to that on those big picture things when it comes to action on climate change when it comes to investing in education across TAFE, ECU city and our schools, and when it comes to health,” he said.

Greens candidate Sophie Greer — who has a background as a community organiser — is hoping to challenge the long-term seat holder.

“I’m a public health expert, and I’ve been a local councillor, and my priority has been to dedicate my life to getting outcomes for our community, and I’m really excited at the opportunity to be Perth’s representative,” she told The West Australian.

“I’m really excited to bring our community’s voice into the parliament and push Labor to act on the things that really matter to our community, like getting dental into Medicare action on housing and real action on the climate crisis.”

Currently, the electorate is held by Labor by 14.4 per cent, but some locals are fed up with the current administration.

Glenn Roberts has not been happy with Labor in his state electorate, or on a federal level.

“I would like to see a change simply because I think it’s dream time. I think Labor’s buying votes by giving away a whole lot of freebies,” he said.

The Subiaco local said his biggest concern was the economy. He is worried China will stop buying Australia’s iron ore and he is concerned with how Labor’s spending will exacerbate the impact of that on the economy.

Hannah, a mum of two, said Labor’s representation under Mr Gorman had been “so far so good”, but cost-of-living considerations would impact how she votes come May 3.

“It’s just going to be basically my first election, so I need to look into the details of the candidates a little bit further,” she said.

More certain was Andrew Beattie, who works in the CBD and lives in the electorate of Perth.

Despite being unsure of exactly who he would vote for, he was adamant it’s time for a change.

“Albanese has been a bit of a disappointment . . . it’d be good for a change for the country,” he said.

The young Australian said he was currently leaning towards the Liberal Party.

The Liberal candidate for the Perth electorate is Susanna Panaia and according to her profile, she is dedicated to supporting organisations that strengthen the community.