analysisCan Roger Cook's increasing appeal to Anthony Albanese help Labor win the 2025 federal election?KBy Keane BourkeTopic:Elections6h ago6 hours agoFri 2 May 2025 at 9:45pmRoger Cook has become increasingly important to Anthony Albanese since his state election win in March. (ABC News: Adam Kennedy)abc.net.au/news/roger-cook-increasing-appeal-to-anthony-albanese-election/105244664Link copiedShareShare articleThree years ago, Anthony Albanese's sweep of seats in the West was put down to the remarkably strong brand of one man.The state's "daddy" through COVID was often seen alongside Mr Albanese, and as the ballots were counted it became clear some of Mark McGowan's popularity had rubbed off on him.Mark McGowan was critical to Anthony Albanese's electoral fortunes in 2022. (ABC News: Andrew O'Connor)Once Roger Cook took over though, there was no guarantee he would be able to provide as big a boost to Labor's chances in the west.But the scale of the win he delivered at the March state election was bigger than even his own party had expected."There's no doubt that in more recent weeks, the appeal of Roger has increased," Notre Dame University politics professor Martin Drum said.Anthony Albanese has visited WA 10 times during the election campaign. (ABC News: Adam Kennedy)It's little surprise, then, that Mr Albanese and his team have been linking themselves to Mr Cook at every opportunity."We've known each other for 40 years," Mr Albanese proudly told a press conference in Midland at the start of the campaign."We've been friends for all of that time and it is an absolute privilege to be in a position of a bloke that we used to have a beer with 40 years ago and chat about footy and life, to actually be in a position to make a difference for Western Australians."Election essentials:Federal election live updates: Get the latest news as Australians head to the pollsKey election promises from Labor and the CoalitionFind out where your nearest voting centre is and how to fill out the ballot paper'Albanese no McGowan'It's a mutually beneficial relationship — united firmly against Peter Dutton.And the opposition leader is fully aware of the bromance."Albanese is no Mark McGowan. He's not even close to Roger Cook," Mr Dutton said.Peter Dutton says Anthony Albanese is a threat to WA. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)"Anthony Albanese is a threat to WA, to mining, to jobs and to economic growth in this state, and if that's the case that he's elected with [Greens leader] Adam Bandt after the election, I promise you they will be the most anti-mining government in our country's history since the Albanese government of today."The contest here is between Anthony Albanese and myself."Differences of opinionBut even the best of friends have their differences.Mr Cook has publicly opposed Mr Albanese's position on ending the live sheep export trade, calling for more support for those impacted, although it hasn't been enough in the eyes of producers.Both Roger Cook and Anthony Albanese are featured on how-to-vote cards at many polling booths. (ABC News: Keane Bourke)"There is somewhat of a quid pro quo here," Professor Drum explains."Roger Cook expects to be able to influence the federal government on issues pertaining to Western Australia, then he's probably expected by the federal Labor counterparts to appear and campaign alongside them around election time."Read more about the federal election:A single moment early in this election campaign came to define itDutton finishes campaign with lurch towards Trumpian politicsSee how your views align with the major parties with Vote CompassWant even more? Here's where you can find all our 2025 federal election coverageCatch the latest interviews and in-depth coverage on ABC iview and ABC ListenSocial ad splurgeAs ballots have begun to be cast over the past few weeks, Labor volunteers have been handing out how-to-vote cards with Mr Cook and Mr Albanese grinning side-by-side on the back.Since last Sunday, at least a quarter of Labor's spend on Facebook and Instagram ads in WA has gone towards a last-minute blitz highlighting local candidates' connections with who is currently the nation's most successful Labor premier."I'll always fight for more for our state. That's why we need a partner in Canberra like the Albanese Labor government," Mr Cook says in some.Hasluck, Fremantle and Pearce are just some of the electorates Roger Cook has visited with Anthiony Albanese. (ABC News: Ian Cutmore)There are shots of the premier and local candidates standing and walking together, but no mention of them by name.Gruen Nation — Stream nowPhoto shows An election sign of Wil Anderson in a neighbourhood with a dog urinating on it with Gruen Nation Election edition and iview.It's election season and politicians are trying to sell you the world. The team at Gruen isn't about to buy it. They're taking a big swing at the election, showing you how the democracy sausage is made, all the sizzle and none of the meat.Much of the spend has been focused on Fremantle, where Labor is fending off independent Kate Hulett, who almost won the state seat two months ago, as well as Swan and Hasluck — two seats Labor swung red in the 2022 election and is keen to keep.The prime minister has popped up in the west 10 times during the campaign, with Mr Cook alongside him in front of the cameras on six of those occasions.Where's Basil?On the other hand, newly minted WA Liberal leader Basil Zempilas hasn't appeared alongside Mr Dutton on any of his seven trips across the Nullarbor, although the pair did rub shoulders at a leadership breakfast in Perth last month.Basil Zempilas hasn't appeared with Peter Dutton during the federal Liberal leader's campaign visits to WA. (AAP: Richard Wainwright)When asked about his influence, Mr Cook played his role down as that of a humble party servant."But if you say that if Anthony Albanese wins on the weekend it is solely down to me, I'm happy to accept that," he joked.If the result of the election comes down to Western Australia's votes, like last time, giving in to a bit of pressure from his long-time buddy is small price for Mr Albanese to pay to be re-elected.Loading...Having trouble seeing this form? Try this link.LoadingPosted 6h ago6 hours agoFri 2 May 2025 at 9:45pmShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesAlbanese, Dutton cast votes in home electorates, PM cites 'real trouble' for Labor if he loses Grayndler LIVEPhoto shows man in a suit next to a woman in red jacket and a younger man in a black shirt casting their voteDutton finishes campaign with lurch towards Trumpian politicsLAnalysis by Laura TinglePhoto shows Peter Dutton in hi-vis, surrounded by other people.A single moment early in this election campaign came to define itTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows Liberal campaign bus stuckBlackout plunges Bali into darkness 'after subsea cables disrupted'Topic:Tourism and Leisure IndustryPhoto shows Silhouettes of people at a hut watching the sun rise over the sea.Were Erin Patterson's deadly beef Wellingtons a terrible accident or murder?Topic:CourtsPhoto shows A digital drawing of Erin Patterson wearing a pink shirtPopular nowWhat time will a winner be called tonight?Topic:ExplainerPhoto shows Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese smiling on rainbow background.Federal Election 2025 live: Albanese, Dutton cast votes in home electorates, PM cites 'real trouble' for Labor if he loses GrayndlerTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows Anthony Albanese and Jodie in a crowd shaking hands Dutton finishes campaign with lurch towards Trumpian politicsLAnalysis by Laura TinglePhoto shows Peter Dutton in hi-vis, surrounded by other people.Related topicsALPAustralian Federal ElectionsElectionsFremantleLiberal Party of AustraliaPerthTop StoriesAlbanese, Dutton cast votes in home electorates, PM cites 'real trouble' for Labor if he loses Grayndler Topic:ElectionsPhoto shows man in a suit next to a woman in red jacket and a younger man in a black shirt casting their voteDutton finishes campaign with lurch towards Trumpian politicsLAnalysis by Laura TingleA single moment early in this election campaign came to define itTopic:ElectionsBlackout plunges Bali into darkness 'after subsea cables disrupted'Topic:Tourism and Leisure IndustryWere Erin Patterson's deadly beef Wellingtons a terrible accident or murder?Topic:CourtsJust InRavaged Rabbits face Knights as NRL Magic Round continuesLIVE30m ago30 minutes agoSat 3 May 2025 at 3:56amBulldogs take advantage of strong breeze to build solid lead over PowerLIVE3m ago3 minutes agoSat 3 May 2025 at 4:23amAustralia to host first three events of 2026 WSL Champions TourTopic:Surfing1h ago1 hours agoSat 3 May 2025 at 2:39amUnlikely hero bushranger Moondyne Joe transports tiny town to 1860sTopic:History1h ago1 hours agoSat 3 May 2025 at 2:54amMore Just InBack to top