Do MPs Need to Live in the Area They Represent?

Topic: State and Territory Government

Monday, 27 July 2026, at 7:14 am

Some Western Australian MPs do not live in their area.

There is a by-election in Secret Harbour. None of the main candidates live there.

It's not a new issue. About 1 in 8 lower house members don't live in their area.

All of them are Labor MPs in Perth.

Premier Roger Cook moved to West Perth, 38 km from his area.

Roger Cook moved to West Perth.

Mandurah MP Rhys Williams lives near his area in Wannanup.

Rhys Williams said he has a deep connection to Mandurah.

Rhys Williams lives close to Mandurah in Wannanup.

Does it matter to voters?

Some ministers live outside their areas.

Research says it doesn't affect voters' decisions.

Dr Pandanus Petter said where MPs live matters more to regional voters.

There are no rules for MPs to live in their areas.

MPs just need to be 18, Australian, and live in the state for a year.

Secret Harbour candidates

None of the key candidates live in Secret Harbour.

Labor's candidate Georgia Tree will live in Port Kennedy during the campaign.

Georgia Tree said she knows the needs of the community.

Georgia Tree will live in Port Kennedy.

Liberals' candidate Ryan Robertson lives in Rockingham.

Ryan Robertson said he's familiar with the area.

Ryan Robertson lives in Rockingham.

Greens candidate Rhi Davies lives 3.4 km from the border.

Rhi Davies said she can run to the area faster.

Rhi Davies is the Greens candidate.

Rhi Davies spent time in Secret Harbour.

The former MP Paul Papalia lived outside Fremantle.

How we fact-checked this story

Liberals set the tone

Opposition leader Basil Zempilas didn't answer if MPs should live in their seats.

Basil Zempilas said Labor's tone is different.

Basil Zempilas campaigns in Secret Harbour.

Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti rejected the idea of living in electorates.

Rita Saffioti said people want their MPs to deliver for them.

Rita Saffioti lives 12 km from her electorate.

Dr Petter said senior leaders' living locations have less impact.

Dr Petter said backbenchers delegate work to staff.

Connecting with the community

Some politicians didn't respond to questions.

Colleen Egan lives 23 km from her electorate.

Colleen Egan said she has roots in the area.

Colleen Egan feels privileged to represent her community.

Colleen Egan lives 23 km away.

Dr Petter said an MP's connection to the community is important.

Dr Petter said MPs spend time in their electorates.

Do you know more?

Contact Keane Bourke.

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