A newly formed political group is beginning to make its presence known in Gosnells, with a focus on local issues, housing and jobs for young people.
The Conservative Party of Western Australia was founded in October 2025 in Perth and is being led by 20-year-old Justin McCann, who now lives in the City of Gosnells.
Mr McCann, who grew up in Kwinana before moving to Gosnells in late 2024, said the idea came from a desire to protect Australian traditions while responding to everyday concerns in the community.
The group is not yet registered with the Western Australian Electoral Commission and is working towards building a membership base of at least 500 people to qualify.
At this stage, the party has one confirmed candidate for the Southern River electorate, with plans to field more candidates at the 2028 State Election.
Mr McCann said the southern suburbs, including Gosnells, are often overlooked when compared to major projects closer to the city.
He pointed to developments such as Burswood Racecourse, Perth Park and Langley Park, saying more attention should be given to growing areas in the south.
According to him, housing is one of the group’s main priorities.
Mr McCann said there is land south of Verna Street that could be developed into apartment-style housing to increase supply, while older homes could be redeveloped into modern, more affordable options managed by the State Government.
He also raised concerns about a lack of entry-level job opportunities, saying many young people are finding it difficult to get started in the workforce.
The party says it is not tied to traditional political lines and plans to draw ideas from across the spectrum.
Its policies include support for wage increases, small business, union rights, job creation, and a mix of green and nuclear energy.
It is also calling for more apartment development across Perth to limit urban sprawl and reduce pressure on surrounding bushland.
Community input is central to how the group says it will operate.
Members are being engaged through social media, including TikTok, with the party inviting feedback to help guide its policies.
Mr McCann said many people they have spoken to want politicians to listen more closely to everyday concerns, including the rising cost-of-living.
The group is also proposing a transparency approach, where internal materials such as messages and memos would be made publicly available where possible under privacy laws.
While the party is not currently funded, it is seeking support from individuals and organisations and is open to new members.
Anyone can join as a voter member, while those wanting to stand as candidates must meet eligibility requirements and have relevant experience in their chosen area.
The party’s next steps include building awareness, increasing membership and continuing to engage with the community as it works towards official registration.
