Labor election bid

The Australian Labor Party is considering a “quid pro quo” deal to swap preferences with the WA Nationals for the seats of O'Connor and Durack.

While Labor State secretary Simon Mead made it clear his priority is next year’s State Election, he has confirmed one of the options for the two Federal seats could see them swap preferences with the WA Nationals.

The proposed deal would see Labor direct its preferences to WA Nationals Tony Crook in O’Connor, but only if the WA Nationals preference the Labor candidate for Durack.

The deal, if agreed upon, could result in an easier re-election task for Mr Crook but a tightening of the comfortable margin for Durack MP Barry Haase.

Mr Mead told the Kalgoorlie Miner there were “dozens of discussions” on preferences, but confirmed the O’Connor-Durack deal had been suggested.