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Push for Federal control of WA Labor

Labor powerbrokers are canvassing a Federal intervention into the WA branch of the party as despair mounts over its poor performance in the Senate re-run election.

As Opposition Leader Bill Shorten outlined sweeping party reform proposals, one senior source described WA as the "poster child for what's wrong with Labor".

_The West Australian _understands pressure is building on Labor's powerful national executive to take control of the WA party machine in a bid to lift Labor's standing. Its vote plunged beneath 22 per cent at the April 5 election, costing Senator Louise Pratt her seat.

Any intervention is likely to see WA State secretary Simon Mead pushed out of his job, though his term does not expire until the end of the year.

Blame over WA Labor's dismal result has been centred on the factional deal that installed conservative union boss Joe Bullock as the head of the ticket.

Mr Shorten said yesterday the reasons for Labor's poor showing in WA came down to more than just one person.

Perth MP Alannah MacTiernan said reforms were vital to increase party membership.

"The fact that we have fewer members than the Dockers is horrific," Ms MacTiernan said.