Labor names new Darling Range candidate Tania Lawrence after Colleen Yates, Barry Urban sagas
Updated
WA Labor has selected a senior Woodside staffer and former public servant to contest the Darling Range by-election, insisting the public can trust her after their past two candidates for the seat quit following scrutiny of their qualifications.
Tania Lawrence, a current Woodside manager, has been announced as Labor's candidate for next month's by-election.
She will primarily be vying for the seat with Liberal candidate Alyssa Hayden, a former Upper House MP.
The by-election was sparked by the resignation in disgrace of former Labor MP Barry Urban, who was found to have repeatedly lied about his education and police service history.
Labor's initial pick for the seat, Colleen Yates, resigned last week after it emerged she had misrepresented her education history on a LinkedIn profile.
Premier Mark McGowan said he advocated for Ms Lawrence, who he had known for more than a decade.
"I am absolutely confident she will do a great job," Mr McGowan said.
Ms Lawrence said she lives in Mundaring in the district and has small businesses in the area.
She said she had been as heavily scrutinised in the past "when I held national security clearances for Government".
She lists her qualifications as a bachelor of economics and a bachelor of arts in Asian studies from Murdoch University, and a bachelor of arts with honours in Asian studies from the University of Western Australia.
She said she was also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
"I believe I do have the experience necessary to have a seat at the table of the McGowan Labor Government," Ms Lawrence said.
She added she had previously worked in the public service, in emergency management and counter terrorism.
"I can see the opportunities for the Darling Range, and I want to be the advocate and the strong local voice for my community and the McGowan Labor Government," she said.
Mr McGowan said she was a "first-rate person" he has known for about 16 years since she previously worked for the State Government.
Topics: government-and-politics, elections, kalamunda-6076, wa, kelmscott-6111, roleystone-6111
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