Voters in the Darling Range electorate will again head back to the polling booth next month to decide the future of the vacant seat.
The Darling Range by-election has been called for June 23, following former member for Darling Range Barry Urban’s resignation, which was delivered at Parliament on May 8.
Mr Urban resigned after lengthy discussions had occurred in the Legislative Assembly, which called for his expulsion.
The Procedures and Privileges Committee recommended the Legislative Assembly find the member guilty of deliberately misleading the House with his educational qualifications and work history and in his inaugural speech.
Premier Mark McGowan unveiled Labor candidate Colleen Yates to the media on Monday, while the Liberal party have backed Alyssa Hayden to take the hotly-contested seat.
The One Nation candidate will be Rod Caddies, while the Greens WA have put forward disability advocate and support worker Anthony Pyle to contest the Darling Range seat.
The electoral roll will close at 6pm on May 30 and the nomination period for candidates at this by-election will close at 12noon on June 1.
Early voting by post or in person will commence on June 6.
Meet the candidates
Alyssa Hayden – Liberal
Ms Hayden grew up in Perth’s eastern suburbs, attending Mount Helena Primary and Eastern Hills Senior High School, before starting her own business at the age of 19.
In 2008 she was elected to State Parliament as the Member for the East Metropolitan Region.
During her time in parliament she has been an advocate for the tourism industry and was involved in the state government’s push to secure support for major road projects such as the Tonkin Highway upgrades.
If elected, Ms Hayden said she would advocate and fight for the local needs of the community and would serve the Darling Range electorate with integrity.
“I have the experience to hit the ground running and a proven track record of delivering,” she said.
Colleen Yates – Labor
Ms Yates previously lived in Mundijong, however moved out of the electorate to be closer to her daughter and her grandson.
She plans to move back into the local area and pick up where she left off in a community, which she said has done so much for herself and her family.
She was recently the chief executive of Regional Development Commission and was previously the chief executive of the Peel Development Commission and the owner of a small agricultural business in the southwest specialising in organic foods.
Ms Yates said she was passionate about the region and was excited to run for the seat of Darling Range.
“I am looking at being the voice for Darling Range and pushing for better services, such as transport and infrastructure, as well as creating jobs for now and for our kids into the future,” she said. “The Byford rail extension is going to be really important in terms of getting people in and out of this area and to and from jobs.
“I am really looking forward to supporting the initiatives that have been started with the McGowan government and pushing them through.”
Rod Caddies – One Nation
Mr Caddies has lived, worked and played sport within the region over a number of years and currently lives on a 14-acre property where his family owns a horse riding school.
He ran as the agricultural candidate in the last state election, has worked for the Department of Child Protection for about 15 years and volunteers for church organisations as a youth leader and coach.
Mr Caddies said the biggest issues facing the electorate were youth unemployment, east to west transport, environmental issues and lack of sporting facilities.
“If elected I would look at incentives and ways to encourage businesses into the area and advocate for better transport networks,” he said.
“I would also work with the minister for water and the shire to make sure there is no pollution of groundwater from poor design and development and try to obtain more funding for ovals.”
Anthony Pyle – The Greens WA
Mr Pyle grew up in social housing and believes everyone has the right to a job, a home, an education and a voice in our parliament.
He said he had recognised the need for proper investment in infrastructure to create employment opportunities and services within the Darling Range electorate.
“Getting from Byford to the city takes at least an hour and a half and that’s if you don’t miss the bus,” he said.
“This leaves many residents relying on cars to drive their kids to school, then to work and every aspect of their lives, there is no alternative.
“I will ensure that everyone has access to public transport and make sure that young people and those reskilling have access to TAFE and further education.”
