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WA Candidates

WA Candidates

Ryan Burns

#1 WA Upper House

Ryan is a proud West Australian who grew up in a family that exemplified community service and leadership. A qualified engineer and former underground miner, Ryan has built a diverse and accomplished career in the resources sector, working across WA and internationally in roles ranging from supervisor to Mine Manager.

In addition to his professional achievements, Ryan is a passionate advocate for his local community. He is actively involved in local sporting clubs, community associations, and environmental initiatives, including coastal clean-ups. Now in his fourth year as a local government councillor in Mandurah, Ryan continues to champion responsible government, reduce waste, and ensure better value for taxpayers.

As the lead candidate for the Libertarian Party in the upcoming WA state election, Ryan is committed to advancing personal freedoms, smaller government, and a stronger future for Western Australia. A former Liberal Party member and 2021 state election candidate, Ryan brings unique insights into the shortcomings of the major parties. He joined the Libertarian Party in late 2023 to align more closely with his principles of liberty and individual responsibility, serving on the state executive since January 2024.

Ryan lives in Mandurah with his partner Ange and their young twins, Olive and Sebastian. He is dedicated to building a prosperous, free, and fair WA for future generations.

Gary Nicol

#2 WA Upper House

Born in Fremantle, I have a deep appreciation for the land and its history, thanks to my mother's side of the family, who have lived on Rottnest Island for three generations. My father's ancestry traces back to some of the first settlers in Western Australia. In my 20s, I seized the opportunity to travel the world, gaining a deeper understanding of various cultures. I served in the Navy, specializing in communications, and the skills and experiences I gained have been invaluable.

I pursued my passion for horses, becoming a licensed racehorse trainer and skilled blacksmith/farrier. Academically, I majored in Archaeology and Indigenous Studies at the University of Western Australia (UWA), fueling my passion for understanding human history and Indigenous cultures.

I believe the Firearms Act 2024 is poorly constructed, lacks proper consultation, and contradicts the recommendations of the 2016 Project 105 LRC Review of the Firearms Act, as well as the largest e-petition in Western Australia's history.

I advocate for the decriminalization and medical use of cannabis. I also promote motorcycle use to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

I am proud to be Australian and hold strong views about national unity. I believe in one flag, one government, and one Australian culture.

Jake McCoull

#3 WA Upper House

My name is Jake McCoull and I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Western Australia. I'm passionate about our state's outdoors, where I enjoy scuba diving, adventure motorcycling, and sport shooting. Our way of life is at risk due to excessive government intervention, and I’m committed to ensuring future generations can enjoy all that WA has to offer.

My career spans across multiple industries, and I run two active businesses—one focused on maintaining commercial satellite antenna systems and the other specializing in media production.

I’ve been a member of the Libertarian Party since before our registration in WA in late 2016. I served as WA State Executive President from 2023 and, as of 2025, I now serve as a Federal Executive Member of the Libertarian Party.

I live by the principles of individual freedom and personal responsibility. We need to restore accountability in government, reduce taxpayer burden, and create opportunities for prosperity for all Western Australians.

By joining us, you’re supporting a movement for a transparent, efficient government that truly serves the people. Together, we can build a future where every individual has the chance to thrive.

I look forward to connecting with like-minded individuals and discussing how we can grow the liberty and freedom movement in WA.

Dean Covich

#4 WA Upper House

I was born and raised in Perth and have spent my entire life working here, actively engaging in a range of community activities. I've had the chance to participate in clubs, sporting events, and volunteer efforts, including time spent at Wanneroo Raceway and in sport shooting clubs. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the value of community and the need for meaningful involvement.

Over time, particularly during the challenges of the COVID period, I've come to realize how much we need change in the way things are being handled. The rising cost of living, the struggles of small businesses, and the erosion of our rights have highlighted how far we've fallen behind in areas like health, education, and law.

We live in a country rich in resources, but there is a growing disconnect between the potential we have and the reality we face. It's clear that our current direction isn’t working, and it's time to reconsider the approach. I believe in a government that prioritizes liberty and freedom, one that ensures individuals have the power to live their lives to the fullest without unnecessary interference. It’s time for a shift towards a government that is smaller, more efficient, and truly focused on protecting the rights of the people. I’m ready to be a voice for that change.