Cowaramup’s Julie Kirby in line for Upper House berth with Nationals WA selection confirmed

The Capes region will be represented by a key Nationals WA candidate for the Upper House at next year’s State election despite the removal of regional zones.

Cowaramup-based businesswoman Julie Kirby was placed third on the Nationals ticket for the Legislative Council campaign this week, with Manjimup teacher Heidi Tempra in the fourth slot.

Ms Kirby is a former Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development trade officer who now works as an agricultural and food industries consultant.

She was recently involved in the resurrection of the Margaret River Dairy Co. through her Capes Advisory business and has previously worked with Ross Woodhouse’s Scott River dairy holdings to secure State Government grants.

Ms Kirby has held senior roles with the Nationals, including State director and current Federal president of the Nationals’ Women’s Council.

She is also a director of Augusta-Margaret River Community Bank and co-host of the annual Cowaramup’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

“I’m standing for the Nationals because I believe that all Western Australians deserve access to services and quality infrastructure, not just those who live in the metropolitan area,” she told the Times.

“The response to my preselection has been overwhelming, and I’m looking forward to hearing more local perspectives on priorities and projects.

“I’ll also be talking about the Nationals’ plan to support small businesses and boost investment and employment by lifting the payroll tax threshold and introducing a tax rebate.”

Nationals leader Shane Love MLA said the party had chosen a team of “experienced and impressive candidates” to represent all of WA, with the Times understanding the party intended to field candidates even against Opposition partners the Liberal Party, which included Liberal leader Libby Mettam in Vasse.

“They are the team WA needs,” Mr Love said.

“Come 2025, the Legislative Council will be well served by a Nationals WA team who are dedicated to delivering change for our State.

“From small business owners to health professionals and teachers, this team bring a wealth of experience which places them perfectly to tackle the hard issues and lean into the vast opportunities which lay ahead for WA.”

“The Nationals WA are a party of hardworking people who are driven by common sense. Our Upper House team are just that, and they are ready for the fight.”

WA president Julie Freeman is first on the ballot, while Northampton deputy shire president Rob Horstman in second with sitting MLC Louise Kingston relegated to fifth.

The Nationals have confirmed Bevan Eatts from Manjimup as their Warren-Blackwood challenger, but a Vasse contender was not expected to emerge until later this year.