Greens support in WA reinforced in new polls

"Colin Barnett is strengthening his grip on power in the west. The WA

Premier's recent battles with Canberra over the mining tax and health

reform have resonated with West Australian voters. The latest Newspoll

also reveals troubled times ahead for Labor leader Eric Ripper, who is

struggling to be heard on various issues dominating talkback radio and

public debate. He trails Mr Barnett as preferred premier by 60 per cent to

19 per cent. And the new figures, taken exclusively for The Australian

between April and last month, reinforce record support for the Greens.

The Greens' primary support has increased to 16 per cent, the equal highest

level recorded for the party in WA. It is a four-point jump since the

election and a five-point rise since the last Newspoll, suggesting voters

from the Labor Left have returned to the Greens after federal Labor's

backdown over an emissions trading scheme."

You can read more and comment on this story at The Australian "Colin Barnett's battles with Canberra win support"