Shire of Augusta-Margaret River new councillor Melissa D’Ath named as Legalise Cannabis WA candidate for 2025

With just one council meeting under her belt, new councillor Melissa D’Ath has put her hand up to run for State Parliament. The businesswoman and former Margaret River Chamber of Commerce president will run as an Upper House candidate for the Legalise Cannabis WA party in next year’s election. LCWA placed Ms D’Ath at second on its Upper House ticket this week. Cr D’Ath told the Times there was no conflict in her role as an elected member and political candidate unless she was elected at the March 2025 poll. She said her motivation to run for the Legislative Council was partly triggered by the removal of electoral boundaries amid what she saw as increasing centralisation of services in the metropolitan area. “The move to centralise services and decision-making sees country towns with less autonomy and less access to services than our metropolitan counterparts,” she said. “I have been a volunteer in community and small business not-for-profits in regional areas since I was 17 and this issue has only become worse.” The second spot on LCWA’s ticket gave the councillor a good chance of winning based on preferences, and the reform of WA’s electoral system to remove zones was also a new element that will play a factor in outcomes on election day. Despite the minor party’s focus on legalisation of cannabis — which Cr D’Ath said she supported — it has emerged as one of the stronger independent parties in State Parliament. The way was partly cleared for Cr D’Ath by LCWA member Sophia Moermond quitting the party to serve as an independent. LCWA secretary Aaron Cross said a true regional candidate such as Cr D’Ath would advocate for communities outside of Perth if elected. He also said LCWA was focused on more than just cannabis and hemp, including “all issues affecting regional families, farmers and businesses”. “The party recognises that rural and regional voters need local voices to be heard in State Parliament, and we believe we’ve found that voice in Melissa,” Mr Cross said. One of the party’s focuses is reform of WA’s “archaic” industrial hemp laws which Mr Cross said were stifling innovation and growth in a potential major industry. “Many hemp growers are situated in the South West due to its ideal climate, and they’re telling us that the Government has forgotten them,” he said. “They won’t be forgotten in Parliament where LCWA has strong representation.”