Nationals’ boss Mia Davies digs into newcomer Labor MP Jane Kelsbie for failing the electorate

Nationals leader Mia Davies has taken a swipe at the region’s new Labor member for not speaking up for the community. Labor neophyte Jane Kelsbie stunned political observers of all stripes when she snatched the Warren-Blackwood Lower House seat from long-term Nationals veteran and one-time party leader Terry Redman last year. During her visit to Margaret River last week, Ms Davies, the State’s Opposition Leader, said her alliance with the Liberal Party — who took even worse electoral damage in the landslide Mark McGowan victory — was frustrated by constant “secrecy” and “lack of transparency” from the State Government. And she chided new members such as Ms Kelsbie for toeing the party line instead of advocating for the regions. “The lack of transparency and the secrecy is a hallmark of this State Government,” Ms Davies said. “Those local members should be very vocal advocating within their caucus. “What we have seen from all Labor members is toeing the party line and very few of them sticking their heads above the parapet,” Ms Davies told the Times. “It should be about putting your community first, not the party.” In Margaret River, Ms Davies cited the lack of action around the local hospital’s long-anticipated expansion. Ms Kelsbie in turn accused Ms Davies of being out of touch with the electorate. “I’m not too concerned about the Opposition Leader’s constant negativity,” she said. “People who actually live here know I’m always available to discuss local issues, and I’ll always stand up for our community.” But when it came to the issue of Margaret River Hospital, Ms Kelsbie reiterated the Government line. “Margaret River Hospital and its outstanding staff continue to deliver terrific care for our community, with the State Government delivering over $868,000 in maintenance and improvements in recent years,” she said. Ms Kelsbie also highlighted the ban on native forestry as a positive outcome for the electorate. In defending charges of new Labor MPs toeing the party line, a State Government spokesperson cited $4.2 billion in Royalties for Regions commitments as well as record infrastructure investment — though none of it was in Warren-Blackwood. “Our regional MPs continue to provide a strong voice for their communities, as together we deliver on our important commitments to keep the regions strong,” the spokesperson said. Ms Davies said she wanted to see MPs of all parties “advocating more loudly and strongly” on local issues and for Labor members to have their own voice, rather than through comments vetted in Perth.