WA Nationals urged to retain independence
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Warren Truss ... 'they're going to sit as an independent party' (AAP: Andrew Sheargold, file photo)
The federal Nationals leader has played down the prospect of the WA Nationals forming a coalition with the Liberal Party in order to claim victory in the state's election.
Mr Truss has urged the party's state leader Brendon Grylls to do all he can to ensure the best outcome for regional Western Australia.
The Liberal and Labor parties have both won 24 seats, giving the National Party the balance of power in the Legislative Assembly.
Liberal Leader Colin Barnett says he hopes to form a coalition with the Nationals.
But Mr Truss has told ABC Radio's AM that a coalition is not the right option for the National Party.
"They ran on a platform that they would not be forming a coalition, so that would certainly be, not faithful, to their election commitments if they were to now move into a coalition," he said.
"They're certainly going to sit as a separate independent party, I would hope that they're not in a position where they're backing Labor, but certainly they're going to stand up for their constituents."
Mr Truss says the Western Australian Nationals will probably support a Liberal government.
"I would prefer that the National Party is involved in supporting a Liberal government, but if the Liberals are not prepared to deliver what the Nationals want then they will have to wear the consequences of that," he said.
Last night, WA Liberal Party leader Colin Barnett indicated that his party would need National party support to claim the majority.
"However there is still some discussion and negotiation to take place," he said.
"I believe that the people of Western Australia have expressed their trust in myself and my colleagues... they have given us an opportunity and if that comes to pass we will accept that opportunity.
"We're not quite there yet but we're not far off."
