WA Premier asks Big Issue vendor for $3 change back

WA Premier Colin Barnett has been accused of being a 'cheapskate', after asking a Big Issue vendor for $3 change back from his purchase.

The awkward moment occurred after Mr Barnett handed over two $5 notes to purchase the $7 charity magazine outside the ABC's East Perth studios.

After the vendor, Tina, told him "I'll talk to you again in the near future with the next edition", the Premier replied "OK, are you going to give me my $3 change?" and then laughed.

Opposition treasury spokesman Ben Wyatt expressed shock when he saw the video.

"What a cheapskate," Mr Wyatt told reporters.

"That is one of the most mean-spirited performances I've had the displeasure of watching.

"If only he'd been so careful with taxpayers' money."

After the video emerged on social media, The Big Issue tweeted about WA Labor leader Mark McGowan, who bought a magazine from the same vendor on Wednesday with a $20 note and told her to keep the change.

"Thanks Mark McGowan for supporting Tina. Hope you enjoy reading the mag," the charity for homeless and disadvantaged people posted.

The awkward video tops off a horror week for the Liberal leader.

Barnett has had to fend off questions about party unity and future leadership, with rumours swirling that he will be replaced by the Liberals before the next WA state election.

He's fared poorly in recent opinion polls and has come under fire for last week's budget, which included the worst deficit in the state's history.

It is believed the Premier is unlikely to be replaced before the July 2 federal election, in order to avoid damaging the Turnbull government's prospects in one of its strongholds.

The Coalition holds 13 of the 16 Western Australian lower house seats going in to the double dissolution election, but many are seen as increasingly marginal as the resources boom fades.