Labor proposes new Federal Seat to be named Throssell

State Labor Leader Mark McGowan has announced that WA Labor will make a submission proposing the new Federal electorate in WA be named Throssell after Western Australian Victoria Cross recipient and war hero, Hugo Throssell.

Changes to electorate boundaries, currently being considered by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) will see the creation of a new seat in Western Australia.

WA Labor is of the view that naming the new electorate Throssell would be fitting recognition of an extraordinary man.

Having survived the war, he was welcomed back as a hero. However, his experience made him a pacifist who opposed war.

Shunned by WA society and suffering from what was clearly Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, he committed suicide in 1933.

Comments from WA Labor Leader Mark McGowan:

“The Hugo Throssell story is an amazing story, one worth noting in our Federal Parliament.

“To name a new Federal electorate after a Western Australian Victoria Cross winner would be appropriate.

“As we commemorate the Centenary of ANZAC, I am calling on the Australian Electoral Commission to recognise the significant contribution made by Hugo Throssell.”

Comments from Darren West MLC:

“Hugo Throssell is revered in our region. The unveiling of his statue in Northam as part of the Centenary of ANZAC further acknowledges this.

“As the Captain of the 10th Light Horse Regiment, Second Lieutenant Hugo Throssell received his Victoria Cross for exceptional bravery at Gallipoli.

“It is fitting that a new Federal electorate be named after him, to honour his life and service to our Country.”