Labor's Secret Harbour by-election tactics spark pork-barrel accusations

During the Secret Harbour by-election, Labor candidate Georgia Tree highlighted several government spending announcements, prompting criticism that the funding was being used to sway voters.

In the lead-up to the Secret Harbour by-election, Labor candidate Georgia Tree promoted a string of recent government projects, such as a $5 million expansion of electrical training at Rockingham TAFE and a $3 million allocation for nine public schools within the electorate. Tree credited herself with securing the funds, though some of the money had been pledged earlier by former member Paul Papalia. One Nation WA leader Rod Caddies criticised the timing and the use of a campaign Facebook video to announce an additional $1 million for Lakelands Youth Park, calling it a form of pork-barrelling.

The premier responded that the announcements are part of a $6.4 billion statewide school investment pipeline, but admitted the by-election provides an opportunity to showcase achievements. Political scientists said the practice sits on a fine line between normal government spending and targeted voter persuasion, especially as social media amplifies scrutiny. The controversy also touches on the stalled Karnup train station project, a key local issue that both Labor and Liberal candidates are promising to advance.