The cost of living crisis, health, housing and law enforcement have been at the centre of a Western Australian leaders' debate on the first day of polling in the state election.
Less than two weeks from the March 8 state election, Premier Roger Cook and Liberal leader Libby Mettam slugged it out on Monday night as they made their pitch to voters.
Mr Cook spruiked his government's achievements over the past two terms in office, saying only Labor had the experience to deliver for the state.
"In times of global trouble, you need a steady hand at the wheel ... to navigate the next four years," he said on the Seven News live debate.
"We have created the strongest economy in the nation ... and we can do more from these strong foundations of economic success ... because only WA Labor has a plan to take this state forward."
Mr Cook said a re-elected Labor government would continue to provide cost of living relief, increase housing and expand the hospital system, as he was probed by reporters about his government's track record.
Ms Mettam attacked Labor, saying it had failed to address the issues that matter to voters while in office, highlighting Mr Cook's status as a replacement premier after Mark McGowan stepped down in 2023.
She said the Liberals had a plan to ease cost of living pressures, scrap Labor's electricity tax, stop wasteful government spending, and lower fees and charges for families.
"Whether you're in the city or in the regions, my team understands what matters to you," she said.
"I want to make sure your voice is heard, your needs are met by a government that is focused on you and we have priorities and solutions to help you at home."
Both leaders stumbled and tripped over their words at times, Mr Cook more so, but he was judged to be the winner of the debate by an audience panel.
Experts are tipping a comfortable win for Labor, which holds 53 seats in the lower house with the Liberals and Nationals holding three each after Labor's unprecedented landslide victory in 2021.
Its massive majority is likely to shrink, however, with the Liberals expected to win back about 10 lost seats. Labor could also lose control of the upper house.
The Liberals are not the official opposition party in WA after winning just two seats in the last election.
That title is held by the Nationals, which won four, but Ms Mettam is viewed as the alternative premier and her party is expected to be the opposition after the upcoming election.
Her party has been rocked by instability in recent months, with a failed bid to unseat her as leader and multiple candidates accused of poor behaviour.
Asked if she would lead the party after the poll, Ms Mettam said she was confident as she batted away questions about her comments last month that she would not stand in front of the Aboriginal flag if she was elected premier.
"My agenda is Western Australians' agenda. My focus is on your household. I know that over the last eight years, it's never been more tough to put food on the table or a roof over your head," she said.
"I know the frustration that whilst we are enjoying the largest boom in the state's history, our health outcomes are the worst in the nation ... that is simply not good enough."
Mr Cook was scrutinised over Mr McGowan's decision to resign from the top job two years into a four-year term.
"I had the opportunity to be elected just 18 months ago and I'm just getting started, and I very much look forward to seeing out a full term if we have the opportunity," he said.
