As Premier-elect Mark McGowan prepares to form government, here’s a look at some of the decisive moments of the election campaign.
Preference deal
Outgoing Premier Colin Barnett repeatedly defended it as a “mathematical exercise” designed to boost the Liberals’ chances of winning, but his party’s preference deal with One Nation caused plenty of headaches too.
Just under a month until election day, it was revealed the Liberals would direct Upper House preferences to One Nation ahead of the Nationals, in return for a favourable Lower House arrangement with Pauline Hanson’s party.
That broke long-standing Liberal policy to preference One Nation last.
Mr Barnett was adamant the deal was not an endorsement of One Nation’s policies, but for the best part of a month he still faced questions every time Senator Hanson or one of the party’s candidates said or did something controversial.
Mr Barnett lamented late in the campaign the media was “getting spooked by Pauline Hanson” but the questions — and the association — continued to dog the Liberals right up until polling day.
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