PM, Dutton both promise Kwinana Freeway expansion as WA election campaign kicks off

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have both landed in Western Australia to kick-start their election campaigns, claiming the state could make or break their chances at the looming election.

On Monday morning, Albanese announced he would ease congestion along the Kwinana Freeway if elected, spending to the tune of $350 million to widen the road.

State Labor will match that promise for a total of $700 million – a pledge Dutton has since confirmed he would match, calling it a “sensible investment” and stating there was “a lot of repair work to do.”

Albanese kicks off his election campaign in WA as the political year begins. Credit: Kate Geraghty

Labor has said that widening the freeway would add around 50 per cent capacity to the upgraded sections, easing congestion for motorists on a road that carries around 100,000 vehicles every day.

The funding also builds on the previous $67 million commitment towards planning and scoping of infrastructure for the Westport project – the linchpin for future trade in WA.

“Western Australia is an economic powerhouse, and we want to make sure we are investing in future job creating projects like Westport, while still delivering the immediate congestion benefits for commuters now,” Albanese said.

“This project will support jobs, improve safety and ease congestion.”

Premier Roger Cook leaned into his ‘Dad from Kwinana’ roots, stating that as a local to the area he understood how important the project was for the future of the state.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the investment would ensure the continued transformation of the Kwinana Freeway, which has already had smart freeway technology installed, the Armadale Road to North Lake Road Bridge Project and widening to large sections.

“The Western Australian government is working in partnership with the Australian government on these and other growth-area roads, including the Stephenson Avenue Extension and Tonkin Highway extension,” she said.

Dutton and his team are expected to hold a press conference later on Monday, after both they and the Albanese team attend a memorial service marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Both have committed to a $2 million investment in the Holocaust Institute of WA for its Education Centre in Yokine, to provide an updated facility discussing both the Holocaust and the October 7 attacks.

Speaking on Radio 6PR on Monday, Dutton said WA’s vote would be a deciding factor in the election outcome.

“There are a number of seats that are important to both sides of parliament … We need to get the policies right so WA can do its best economically because we don’t pay for schools and hospitals on the east coast without the mining sector and the agriculture sector and the economic might of WA,” he said.

The West Australian has reported he will launch Liberal candidate Tom White’s campaign, in the hope the party can win back the federal seat of Curtin from teal Independent Kate Chaney.

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