Labor has emerged from the May 3 federal election retaining its grip on key Western Australian seats, with Matt Keogh re-elected in Burt, Sam Lim holding onto Tangney, and Zaneta Mascarenhas returned as the Member for Swan.
While the vote count confirmed continuity, the focus for many voters has already shifted from ballots to delivery; on how these MPs will address pressing local issues?
In Burt, residents are adjusting to new representation as well as renewed expectations.
Matt Keogh, representing Burt since 2016, emphasised his commitment to the community.
“I am so proud to be able to represent our community, where I grew up, in our national parliament and so grateful and honoured to receive the trust of our community that I care for,” he said.
Keogh’s top priorities for this term include cost-of-living relief, improved access to housing, and better infrastructure for Burt’s growing suburbs.
He highlighted initiatives such as tax cuts, power bill relief, cheaper medicines, and increased rent assistance as measures to alleviate cost-of-living pressures.
He added that staying accessible remains a key part of his role, saying he will continue regular ‘Coffees with Keogh,’ open office days, and meet-ups with local organisations.
Some voters, like Kim Glisenti, who moved from the seat of Curtin to Burt due to boundary changes, said the election was less of a continuation and more of a political reset.
“This isn’t so much a re-election as it is an introduction to a new local member with different values and ideals,” he said.
“Keogh now faces the challenge of winning over new constituents while continuing to represent long-time residents.”
He also pointed to Keogh’s role as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, saying stronger visibility and engagement in that portfolio is needed, especially with ongoing issues affecting current and former service members.
Meanwhile, Sam Lim called his re-election “the honour of my lifetime.”
He said his immediate focus is reconnecting with the community and delivering on promises.
“I’ve already been visiting shopping centres and constituents since Saturday,” he said.
“My top three priorities include getting back to work straight away, thanking those who trusted me, and delivering my election commitments.”
Lim, known for grassroots campaigning, said his approach won’t change.
“Many people know me for my door knocking and street corner meetings. I don’t intend to stop any activities that allow me to connect to local residents.”
Yaso Ponnuthurai, a Tangney resident, said she was pleased with the result.
“Sam understands the Tangney community very well. He’s served in WA Police and done other community-related work. He listens to our community well.”
She said she hopes the next term will bring support for local manufacturing, stronger cost-of-living measures, and more visibility for small and medium businesses.
“I’d like to see more SME presence instead of giant supermarkets and shopping centres.”
Simon S., another Tangney resident, said the result reflected a national desire for stability, but added a note of caution.
“Labor now has to take the people forward, not dwell on the old school party politics. If they actually do it in a safe economic environment, I would wish them a third term,” he said.
He also expressed frustration with party control and a lack of authentic local representation.
“There needs to be ongoing visibility to show the community they are capable of another three, six or nine years,” he said.
“Building a valued understanding with community is the key.”
For Zaneta Mascarenhas, her re-election in Swan is deeply personal.
“This is the most important job I’ll ever do in my life. I love our community, which is why I’m raising my family here,” she said.
She said she believes her win reflects confidence in Labor’s broader agenda.
“People want a government that delivers on what matters most: the cost of living, housing, and jobs.”
Mascarenhas said her top focus is easing household pressures while investing in education, health and clean energy.
“WA is unique because we have incredible renewable resources above the ground, and important minerals below the ground,” she said. “We have a unique opportunity literally on our doorstep.”
She also committed to continuing her work on financial abuse reforms and student debt relief.
“One of our first actions this term is to legislate a cut to student HECS debt,” she said.
Mascarenhas said remaining accessible to her community remains a core value.
“I’m always out in the community; hosting events, attending forums, and supporting local groups, often with my kids by my side.”
While many voters welcomed the results, there’s a common message….keep listening and keep delivering.
Terrie Kelly said he was satisfied with the outcome but knows the road ahead will be long.
“There have been steps made to help with reducing the cost of living. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a long way to go, but a start has been made.”
He added that Medicare access, healthcare affordability, and real action on urgent care were his key concerns during the campaign.
Simon, on the other hand, who voted Liberal but expressed a drift toward the middle, said he hoped the new term would bring stronger local leadership.
“Your elected members are your advertisers. Open up their freedom to voice their opinions and the will of their constituents in their community. Each seat is very, very, very different.”
With the campaigning now behind them, Keogh, Lim and Mascarenhas face the real test; turning promises into progress.
Voters across Burt, Tangney, and Swan say they’ll be watching closely.
