Labor 'needs WA seats'

Retiring WA Labor senator Mark Bishop says the party cannot hope to regain government unless it wins more seats in the State.

In his valedictory speech last night, Senator Bishop said it had never been accidental when he criticised Federal colleagues for decisions that were unpopular in WA.

"They were considered remarks because I fear too many in our party choose not to understand WA and hence dismiss lightly legitimate concerns," he said.

Since 2001, Labor's Lower House representation in WA had fallen from nine out of 15 seats to just three.

"The head start is too much," Senator Bishop, who leaves Parliament on June 30, said.

"It is akin to giving a 30m start to your opponent in a 100m foot race. Those six seats were given away for free. The West cannot be ignored in our quest to regain government."

Senator Bishop also signalled he would be highly critical of corporate watchdog Australian Securities and Investments Commission and the Commonwealth Bank after investigating allegations of illegal practices by financial advisers within the bank when an inquiry he chaired released its report next week.