Questions over MacTiernan successor

Whoever replaces Alannah MacTiernan in parliament may not be seated for another fortnight with a suspended party member facing criminal charges firming as a likely candidate.

Ms MacTiernan announced her intention to resign late last year and delivered her valedictory address in late December, with her responsibilities in cabinet carved up and given to Jackie Jarvis, Don Punch and Roger Cook.

As parliament returns today, though, a replacement has not yet been named.

Legislative Council vacancies are not filled by by-elections, with the WA Electoral Commission running a count back among candidates at the previous election who decide to renominate.

Seven West Media’s The West Australian reported yesterday that small business owner John Mondy, who was fourth on WA Labor's ticket in the South West region, will pass on the job, leaving solicitor fifth-placed Ben Dawkins as the next candidate on the ticket.

Mr Dawkins however faces serious political liabilities, given his party membership has been suspended amid more than a dozen charges relating to his allegedly breaching a restraining order.

He has said the issues relate to language he used in electronic communications with his wife.

Quizzed today on whether he was disappointed with the likely outcome, Premier Mark McGowan said the issue could take another two weeks to be resolved, noting the vacancy was a matter for Mr Mondy to consider while acknowledging Mr Dawkins’ situation.

“Mr Dawkins is currently suspended [from the Labor party],” he said.

“That’s the current situation.”

Mr Dawkins’s suspension means, if selected to fill Ms MacTiernan’s vacancy, he would likely sit as an independent. Whether this influences government business remains to be seen though given Mr Dawkins will reportedly still side with Labor on divisions.

Mr McGowan would not be drawn on this possibility when questioned this morning.

“We’ll see what happens,” he said.

Deputy Liberal leader Steve Thomas yesterday called on Labor to name another representative for the South West region.

“They’ve had months to work it out,” he said.

“If they can’t pick candidates that actually want to represent them in parliament, it raises red flags about their selection processes.”