Labor claims victory in Fremantle, as independent says race not over

WA Labor’s Simone McGurk has claimed victory in the seat of Fremantle, but her independent challenger Kate Hulett says it’s too early to declare the race over. 

As of 6pm on Friday, Ms McGurk was 491 votes ahead of Ms Hulett on a two-party preferred basis. 

At about 6:20pm, WA Labor posted on social media declaring “it’s official, Simone McGurk has been re-elected as the member for Fremantle”.

But Ms Hulett’s team issued a statement shortly after, claiming the call was premature. 

“It is disappointing to hear Labor try to conclude the Fremantle race prematurely given the contest is so close and the results have been changing ever since election night,” the statement said.

“As a first-time candidate, I remain committed to ensuring that every vote is counted in Fremantle and every voice is heard.”

The seat has been a Labor stronghold for decades, aside from a brief period where it was held by Greens-turned-Independent MP Adele Carles.

Ms McGurk has represented the area since defeating Ms Carles in 2013 and went into the election with a 27.3 per cent margin.

Hulett raked in donations

Ms Hulett campaigned heavily on local issues like housing, homelessness and the revitalisation of Fremantle, as well as environmental issues like the gas industry.

She was the most well-funded independent in the race, with more than $134,600 in donations disclosed on her website.

Speaking on Monday, Ms McGurk said the swing she suffered was a lesson for the government on environmental concerns.

“I think there is an urgency in our community, and that’s particularly reflected in the vote on the weekend,” she told the ABC.

“We would be silly not to heed that.

“I think we do have to demonstrate to people that looking after the environment shouldn’t be at the expense of jobs, and similarly, looking after jobs shouldn’t be at the expense of the environment.”

Climate action promise

Ms McGurk said she would advocate for climate action within her portfolios in cabinet.

Ms Hulett hoped the government took a similar message on board.

“This is the only seat where we had a community independent challenging a Labor member, and a senior Labor minister at that,” she said on Monday.

“And we were running on environment, people and integrity, and look at the swing.

“I think people should be looking very closely at this and listening to what we have to say.”

Cabinet reshuffle

Ms McGurk retaining her seat would clear the way for Labor to finalise its cabinet next week.

The full partyroom is expected to meet on Monday to appoint three MPs to cabinet, replacing ministers Sue Ellery, John Quigley and David Templeman, who retired at the election.

Premier Roger Cook is then expected to announce a reshuffle of portfolios on Tuesday, before the ministry is officially sworn in on Wednesday.

Check out our 2025 WA state election page for all of the ABC’s coverage.

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