Barnett talks Vasse contest
Premier Colin Barnett says the Vasse by-election will be a contest between the Liberal Party and the Greens on October 18.
In Busselton to spruik Vasse Liberal candidate Libby Mettam last Friday, Mr Barnett said Labor likely pulled out of the race expecting a low vote in the Liberal stronghold.
"With Labor not standing I think there’ll be a (Nationals) vote but their voters will likely turn to the Greens," he said.
Mr Barnett said the State Government needed Qantas and possibly Virgin on board in order to expand the Busselton Airport.
"I’ve been talking recently with Alan Joyce from Qantas about direct flights from Melbourne and Sydney, and we'd want to get some progress on that I think before we spent a large amount of money on the airport," he said.
Mr Barnett said FIFO was integral to the airport expansion and the local economy.
"There are about 1500 fly-in, fly-out workers from this area … I find it contradictory when some argue against FIFO and at the same time say we should be expanding the airport," he said.
"They go together. FIFO is an important part of the airport and important part of income and people living in this area."
Mr Barnett rejected speculation controversial former member Troy Buswell had damaged the Liberal Party’s reputation.
"Troy was a very effective local member of parliament," he said.
"I think a lot of what’s been achieved in this area Troy deserves true credit for."
