PILBARA ELECTION ISSUES SPARK DEBATE
BY ASAD KHAN
As the Western Australian state election approaches, candidates in the Pilbara electorate are voicing concerns over key issues affecting the region.
Housing, healthcare, and regional development remain central topics in the debate, with candidates calling for stronger advocacy and action.
Liberal candidate Amanda Kailis has criticised incumbent Labor MP Kevin Michel, arguing that his leadership has failed to address the Pilbara’s pressing service needs.
In an interview with Ngaarda Media, Ms Kailis emphasised that housing shortages are a major barrier to attracting and retaining essential workers across different sectors.
“Whenever I have a conversation, it might be about health, and it comes back to the fact that we can’t get health workers because of housing,”
“It might be speaking with social organisations and not-for-profits, and they talk about housing. It’s difficult to get volunteers to come because they have to leave when they can’t find a place to live. Housing is the biggest issue.”
Nationals WA candidate Kieran Dart, a civil engineer with 25 years of experience in infrastructure, echoed concerns over declining essential services and housing availability.
Mr Dart shared with Ngaarda Media that investment and improved management are necessary to support Pilbara communities.
“When you want basic housing and you’ve got little kids—I’ve had two kids under two while trying to find a house—you just want a roof, a toilet, a shower, the basics,” he said.
“Sometimes all the details don’t matter. We need to see results. Unfortunately, in Port Hedland, about 400 houses have been lost since 2017. The housing stock is actually going backwards, and it’s getting older.”
With election day approaching, candidates continue to push for urgent solutions to the region’s growing challenges.
The debate over housing and essential services remains a critical concern for Pilbara residents as they prepare to cast their votes.
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Asad Khan speak with the Candidates: