WA key seats: week one

SEATS OF INTEREST IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

FREMANTLE

Despite kicking off his campaign in Queensland, Bill Shorten's attention quickly turned to Perth's port city after revelations the Labor candidate for Fremantle had failed to disclose convictions dating back to the 1980s. Labor quickly dumped Maritime Union of Australia organiser Chris Brown, replacing him with local deputy mayor Josh Wilson. Meanwhile, the Greens are hoping it will increase its chances of taking the seat off Labor for the first time since 1934.

COWAN

Justice Minister Michael Keenan and employment minister Michaelia Cash both made visits to Perth's north in an effort to boost local MP Luke Simpkins' chances against Labor's high profile candidate Anne Aly. The Liberal grip on Cowan has slipped after boundary redistribution cut the margin from 7.5 per cent to 4.5 per cent. Ms Aly, a counter-terrorism expert, is well known due to regular media appearances.

PERTH

Outgoing Perth NP Alannah MacTiernan showed off her replacement candidate, barrister Tim Hammond, following her surprise resignation after just one term in federal politics. Mr Keenan also trotted out Liberal candidate Jeremy Quinn, who said crime was the biggest issue facing the electorate. Labor holds the seat by just 2.2 per cent after a recent boundary change.

TANGNEY

Controversial nuclear advocate Dennis Jensen announced he would run as an independent after he lost pre-selection to former Liberal state director Ben Morton. Dr Jensen caused a stir earlier this year when racy excerpts from a novel he wrote were leaked. Mr Jensen, who has held seat since 2004, survived two attempts to oust him before last month's preselection. The Liberals have a comfortable 13 per cent margin in the seat, which they have held since 1984.