Western Australia polls to test popularity of Albanese's party

FILE PHOTO: Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to the media during a press conference at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, August 16, 2024. REUTERS/Tracey Nearmy/File Photo

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Voters across the state of Western Australia headed to the polls on Saturday, setting the stage for a final political contest before Prime Minister Albanese calls a national election that is due by mid May.

The conservative opposition Liberal party will look to weaken the ruling Labor party's stronghold over the state and put pressure on Albanese, who is looking to be re-elected as Prime Minister.