THE Nationals WA claim a Labor decision to preference Liberal candidates in two seats is a blow for regional voters.
The Nationals WA president James Hayward condemned the Labor and Liberal party machines for the "dirty preference deal" in the Durack and O'Connor electorates, that he said meant regional WA would not have an independent voice in Canberra.
"The Labor and Liberal party machines have done a dirty deal behind closed doors to further enshrine the duopoly of the major parties," Mr Hayward said.
"Labor's decision to preference the Liberals over The Nationals WA in O'Connor and Durack shows that both Labor and Liberal are prepared to trade off regional seats in order to win city seats.
"What we have seen is two lifelong political enemies come together to do a deal in an attempt to keep The Nationals WA, as true champions of the bush, out of the federal parliament."
But a Labor spokesperson said there was no special deal to preference O'Connor Liberal candidate Rick Wilson and Durack incumbent Melissa Price ahead of the Nationals.
"We are preferencing progressive parties above the Liberals and putting One Nation last everywhere," the spokesperson said.
"In a small number of seats where the Liberals are running against the Nationals, we are preferencing the Liberals.
"There is no deal from Labor to preference the Nick Xenophon Team or the Liberals in SA."
Mr Hayward said elected representatives should reflect the views of society, yet ALP and Liberals were intent on putting their own interests ahead of the people.
"Contrary to the Prime Minister's comments, this call is not in the national interest, it is one of self-interest for the major parties," Mr Hayward said.
"Clearly Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten don't want any independent thinkers from WA in the parliament because they would have to address the GST issue."
Mr Hayward said only The Nationals WA could be trusted to ensure regional WA has a strong independent voice in Canberra.
"The Nationals WA are prepared to cross the floor and rattle cages to ensure regional WA is a priority in Canberra," Mr Hayward said.
"All Rick Wilson and Melissa Price will do is toe the party line."
Mr Hayward said a vote for Labor is a vote for Liberal in O'Connor and Durack.
"We urge Labor voters to disregard their party's city-focused how-to-vote card and put The Nationals ahead of the Liberals."
