Louise Pratt tipped to run for seat of Perth in by-election

Western Australian senator Louise Pratt is rumoured to be heading to the seat of Perth in the upcoming by-election for the inner city seat.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Tim Hammond at the beginning of May, who announced he would be stepping down from parliament to spend more time with his family.

Speculation has been rife over who might step up for the seat ahead of the impending federal election, with many suggesting ALP’s state secretary Patrick Gorman would be the most likely candidate.

Now, The West Australian has reported that party faction Progressive Labor are looking to run a candidate with “inner-city credentials”.

“It has to be someone who is credible in the seat and can win, and out of [Patrick Gorman and Louise Pratt], it would be Louise Pratt,” The West reported hearing from a “senior figure”.

The out senator was a vocal advocate for marriage equality during the postal survey late last year, and has used much of her time in Canberra to fight against LGBTI+ discrimination in Australia.

Attorney-General Christian Porter says the Liberals will run a great campaign in Perth, following their victory in the Perth primary vote at the 2016 federal election.

“We have got a very strong case that the coalition Turnbull Government is looking after West Australians and Western Australia.”

OUTinPerth have contacted Senator Pratt for comment.