• Kate Hullet

INDEPENDENT Kate Hulett, who almost put Labor incumbents to the sword at this year’s state and federal elections for Fremantle, announced she will be running again for Josh Wilson’s federal seat in 2028. 

Ms Hulett, who generated a 26 per cent swing from state member Simone McGurk and 16 per cent from Josh Wilson, this week told the Chook she “plans to focus” on “beating Labor” at the 2028 federal election. 

Ms Hulett says the announcement was triggered by “so many people” who had asked her to run for the Mayor of Fremantle at the upcoming local government election, taking a swipe at the current Council administration in her comments. 

“I have realised that the issues that most concern our community are the responsibility of our state and federal governments,” Ms Hulett said. 

“I am really concerned about the entrenchment and dominance of Labor at every level of government… our current mayor in Fremantle and others on council, including candidates running for election, are affiliated with the Labor party. 

“I don’t think that is healthy, and I know we’re not getting the best outcomes.” 

Ms Hulett also reckons she’ll be “exploring approaches” to “target other Labor seats” nationwide and in WA to “replicate the impact” of her two 2025 campaigns and appeared to issue a warning to the state and federal governments. 

“We achieved something remarkable in Fremantle…other communities across WA and Australia are hoping for, and can achieve, similar results against Labor by drawing on the experience, insights, and inspiration of our campaign. 

“We told Labor that if they didn’t learn their lesson, we would have to keep teaching them about what matters to communities across our country… with the North West Shelf approval coming right after the election, Labor has shown us that they haven’t learned a thing.” 

Ms Hulett’s intention to re-run is not part of Voices for Fremantle’s preselection process, which has not been implemented for 2028, but the Chook understands she remains “closely connected” to the organisation.

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER