South West MLC Adele Farina has expressed her frustration after weeks of speculation surrounding her pre-selection status.
In an interview with the Mail, Ms Farina, who has served as a Labor Party member of the upper house for almost two decades, confirmed she had not been consulted about the proposed internal shuffle.
It is understood Ms Farina first became aware of the issue after two of the state's news outlets reported that WA's ALP was planning an internal shuffle which could see Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan take Ms Farina's seat to save Pierre Yang, whose South Metropolitan seat is under threat.
However, the Bunbury Mail has not been able to confirm this.
Despite the speculation, Ms Farina insisted that she intended to recontest her position at pre-selection and that she remained committed to her parliamentary duties.
"Weeks of speculation surrounding my pre-selection status have been frustrating and difficult, but it has not distracted me from my parliamentary duties and serving my electorate," she said.
"I am heartened by the strong support I've received from local WA Labor branch members and constituents across the South West.
"First and foremost, my focus is on continuing to serve the people of the South West.
"This is something I wish to continue to do post 2021.
"I believe, based on the strong representations I've received, that the people of the South West want me to continue to fearlessly represent them and the region's best interests in the state parliament.
"I understand first-hand the particular needs of South West communities for improved government services and infrastructure and will always put the needs of South West communities first, before the needs of Metropolitan Perth and other regions across the state."
South West Labor Vasse Branch spokesperson Jeni Henderson said she was disappointed by the speculation and urged the community to speak out.
"Adele works incredibly hard and effectively for the region and her constituents, it would be a significant blow to lose her as our representative in state parliament," she said.
