As the race towards both the WA state and federal elections early next year heats up, Bruce Henderson will once again be vying to claim Labor’s stronghold seat of Cannington, having been selected as the WA Liberal candidate for next year’s state election.
Having previously contested the seat, Henderson secured 19.6 per cent of the vote after preferences at the state election in 2021, slightly less than the 17.7 per cent swing towards Labor across the state.
With the incumbent member for Cannington, Bill Johnston, retiring after 16 years in the role, Henderson will face Labor’s Ron Sao this time round.
Henderson said while the cost of living, crime, and the housing and healthcare crises are major issues if elected, he wants to advocate for local issues such as the Shelley Bridge duplication and improvements to the Nicholson Road and Metcalfe Avenue intersection.
“While I would love to say I am fighting for every issue we face, straight up attempting to do so would result in none gaining the traction they need to reach a satisfactory conclusion,” Henderson said.
“To prioritise the many issues locally always makes sense; I believe we should always start with those that were promised at the last election but have never materialised.”
He also said he believes many local schools in the area have been neglected by the Labor government and urgently need upgrades and modernisation.
“Our schools are under great pressure as the communities they serve are not only going through a period of generational renewal, which will lead to greater numbers needing their services, they are coming under the added pressure from housing infill,” he said.
“While we are fortunate to have bipartisan support for the upgrades at Lynwood High, even with this great outcome, Lynwood is far from being what you could classify as modern with adequate facilities.”
Henderson said he believes the overwhelming focus on the COVID-19 pandemic at the 2021 election made it nearly impossible to get any message out that wasn’t related to the pandemic.
“There has never been an election like the last one, and hopefully never will be again,” he said.
WA Labor candidate for Cannington, Ron Sao, said he believes the Labor government has contributed significantly to the local community, and he aims to continue that work if elected.
“Cannington needs a strong voice in the Government, looking out for our community’s interests. Bill Johnston has been this strong voice, and many people in the community have told me I have big shoes to fill. I want to continue this work,” Sao said.
“Just look at the elevated rail and removal of level crossings like Wharf Street underway right now. These are game changers for Cannington.”
With education, mental health, and crime issues also areas Bruce Henderson is passionate about, he believes his ‘wealth of life experience’ would help him make a meaningful difference in the community.
“I believe in family values, the basics of good governance, safe communities, great education opportunities, affordable housing for citizens rather than overseas investors and a robust, diversified economy,” Henderson said.
“We need less divisive policies that drive us apart and more policies that bring us all together.”
Henderson, acknowledging he may not look like your typical politician, urged voters to focus on what he stands for, not on his appearance.
“Let’s be honest, in the current cost of living crisis, shaving and haircuts are expensive,” he joked.
The WA Greens and WA Nationals are still yet to select candidates for the Cannington seat, while the Australian Christian Party has nominated Mark Staer, who previously ran in 2021 and secured 4.7 per cent of the first preference vote.
The 2025 state election is just under five months away, set to take place on Saturday, March 8.
