Liberal Candidate Ryan Robertson Launches Secret Harbour Campaign, Slams Labor’s 'Safe Seat' Neglect
Rockingham Councillor Ryan Robertson launches Liberal campaign, targeting safe-seat complacency and addressing boundary scrutiny ahead of the August 29 by-election
Wade McColl (19/07/2026)
Ryan Robertson at press conference 19/07/2026. Photo by Dimitri Tsagaris, Liberal Party.
The race for the upcoming August 29 Secret Harbour by-election has officially begun. City of Rockingham Councillor Ryan Robertson has been formally introduced as the endorsed candidate for the WA Liberals, promising to challenge a decade of what he terms "broken promises" under the Cook Labor Government.
The announcement comes days after The Baldivis Times first exclusively revealed rumors of Robertson’s impending nomination, beating major state media outlets to the scoop.
Robertson, a 35-year-old local family man, former Royal Australian Navy submariner, and current local councillor, stepped up to the podium this morning to pitch himself as the "true voice" for a rapidly growing region that he claims has been left behind by the major parties.
Turning a 'Safe Seat' Into a Battleground
Ryan Robertson at press conference 19/07/2026. Photo by Dimitri Tsagaris, Liberal Party.
Addressing the media pool, Robertson took direct aim at Labor’s infrastructure track record in the area, specifically pointing to long-delayed regional transport promises.
"If you’ve traveled down to Mandurah or gone up north to Joondalup and you see the infrastructure that’s down north and south of this electorate, it’s quite significant," Robertson said. "I feel that we’ve been such a safe seat for so long, typically the funding doesn’t come to safe seats. There needs to be a challenge to that."
Robertson highlighted the Karnup train station as a primary example of state neglect, noting the project was heavily discussed as far back as 2015 and 2017 but remains unbuilt. His campaign strategy will rest on three core pillars: listening, working hard, and delivering.
Defending the 7.1-Kilometer Residency Gap
Ryan Robertson at press conference 19/07/2026. Photo by Dimitri Tsagaris, Liberal Party.
The press conference quickly sharpened when reporters pressed Robertson on his residency, pointing out that he does not live strictly within the revised boundaries of the Secret Harbour electorate.
Robertson defused the "carpetbagger" label with humor, noting that his home sits a mere 7.1 kilometers from the northern boundary of Grand Ocean Boulevard.
"From where I sleep at night to the electoral boundary is 7.1 kilometers," Robertson countered. "I actually thought it would be a great opportunity, I'm happy to invite any one of you if you would like to run, to work with me during the campaign. It's roughly around a 38-minute run. My cardiovascular fitness is a little bit reduced since having kids, I'm trying not to get a dad bod, don't get me wrong."
Robertson further noted that the issue crosses party lines, stating that the One Nation candidate also resides outside the strict boundary lines. He emphasized that his current role on the Rockingham City Council covers roughly three-quarters of the Secret Harbour electorate, ensuring he remains deeply familiar with ground-level community requirements.
The Passing of a Defense Legacy
Ryan Robertson at press conference 19/07/2026. Photo by Dimitri Tsagaris, Liberal Party.
When questioned on whether he was simply a copycat of retiring Labor stalwart Paul Papalia, who also shares a high-profile Royal Australian Navy background, Robertson dismissed the comparison while paying respect to his political opponent.
"While we're on the subject of Paul, I think it's a great opportunity to probably acknowledge his service, not only for what he's done in defense but also what he's done for the state," Robertson stated. "He's left a great legacy that he should be proud of, a legacy of service and commitment. I wish Paul all the success into his retirement."
Robertson, who served from 2009 to 2021 and was named Submariner of the Year in 2020, stated that his transition from small business owner and real estate consultant to political candidate was fueled purely by a desire to bring military-honed values of service back to the public sphere.
The Secret Harbour by-election will take place on August 29, 2026.