The Western Australia Party may be a relative newcomer to the political scene, but candidate Elizabeth Re hopes a push for changes to WA’s GST share will help win the marginal seat of Stirling.

Founded in 2016, the Western Australia Party has had limited media presence throughout the election, but Cr Re told The Junction she was determined to get WA its “fair share”.

The City of Stirling councillor said her platform included reforming taxes, developing of public transport, improving services for seniors, and increasing health and police services around the state.

Ms Re said WA’s unfair disadvantage from the split of Federal funding inspired her to stand for the Federal election.

She said improved public transport through the light rail project was an example of what WA could achieve with a better GST share.

“The main thing in the campaign is that Western Australia deserves and needs its fair share of the GST and the fuel tax,” she said.

“If they get that they would be able to build their infrastructure projects.”

Cr Re was born in Stirling and has spent most over her life in the electorate.

Having worked as a teacher, lecturer and in several government departments, Cr Re also spent the past 14 years as a councillor in the City of Stirling.

Cr Re said she would resign as a councillor if elected to the Federal seat of Stirling.

She said she believed her close ties to the electorate and her experience as a councillor would help her be a proper voice for the people of Stirling.

“I think because I’ve been so close to the people would mean I wouldn’t be a token politician,” she said.

“I’m local, born and bred.”

Cr Re said there were many pressing issues for Stirling residents which also needed to be addressed.

“I think one of the most pressing issues is the fact that the cost of rent, the cost of living … has gone up so much that a lot of small businesses can’t afford to run … anymore,” she said.

“We have all these taxes and that’s just hurting all of these small businesses.

“I think being on the Council for 14 years … I know the grass-roots problems, I hear them every day.”

Cr Re said she wanted to help get WA its “fair share” in order for the state to “get ahead of the game”.

“I think that the people of Stirling and the people of Western Australia deserve a cultural change, and we need a cultural change to change the game.”