In this year’s federal election, the road to power could run through Western Australia, rather than western Sydney. Political parties hoping to follow that route would be wise to keep the state’s all-powerful mining industry onside.

At just under 3 million, WA’s population is on par with that of Sydney’s west. But it wields an outsize influence thanks to the vast royalties and taxes that flow from its mines. And voters in the state have been clear about their support for the sector, backing an industry that drives budget surpluses and keeps their pay packets healthy at a time when living costs are high.