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WA State Election 2025: Where the Pollies Stand on Aboriginal Rangers

Published: 28 Feb 2025

Karajarri Ranger Christopher "chipper" Taylor. Photo: Annette Ruzicka.

Country Needs People has been working hard alongside our West Australian Indigenous partners to get a commitment from all the major parties to support the hugely successful WA Aboriginal Ranger Program. 

We’ve asked every party what their plans are to secure, strengthen and support WA's Aboriginal Rangers into the future.

We never tell you how to vote, that's your choice, but we do bring you the information to help you decide.

Here’s what the parties had to say in response: 

WA Labor

The WA Labor party announced they would commit $20 million to expand the WA Aboriginal Ranger Program. You can read the full policy statement here and some media coverage here

WA National Party

Leader of the WA Nationals Shane Love has made a general comment to media in support of the Aboriginal Ranger Program but has not made any formal election commitment or provided any detail that we are aware of. You can read his media statement in the NITV here

WA Greens

Via letter to Country Needs People from Brad Pettitt MLC, the WA Greens stated "The Greens (WA) support both your aims of increasing the levels of funding and certainty for established groups, as well as creating an ongoing small to medium size Aboriginal Land and Sea Grant Program for Emerging Ranger Groups or to complement existing group work.” 

WA Liberal Party

Via email to Country Needs People WA Liberal Leader Libby Mettam MLA stated in relation to the WA Aboriginal Rangers Program: “A liberal government I lead will not only support the existing program but will look at ways in consultation with our First Nation people to improve it.”