libs poised to claim wa govt

THE West Australian Liberals were tonight poised to form government after winning eight of the nine seats they required and appearing likely to take another two.

Huge swings of more than six per cent against the government in many seats exceeded poll predictions of a four per cent swing to the opposition.

Perth-based Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said 10 Labor seats appeared to be lost and that the Liberals would almost certainly be forming a new government.

"If you had to put your money on it you would have to bet on the Liberals,'' Mr Smith said.

"My deep regret is that it is likely there will be a change of government.''

make u mining illegal hey? not any more!