Shane Love

Ronald Shane Love (born 30 August 1961) is an Australian politician. He is a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly seat of Mid-West, representing the National Party of Australia (WA) and is a former leader of the opposition of Western Australia.

Early life

Love was born on 30 August 1961 in Kerang, Victoria. He moved to Western Australia in 1974.

Political career

Before entering state politics, Love was active in local government for more than 12 years. He served as the Dandaragan Shire President from 2004 until 2013.

On 10 March 2020, Love was elected as deputy party leader, replacing Jacqui Boydell.

On 30 January 2023, Love was elected as the leader of the National Party, replacing Mia Davies after she resigned. This also made him the leader of the opposition, as the National Party held more seats than the Liberal Party.

Despite being leader of the opposition, Love is not included in opinion polls on the question of preferred premier and approval ratings with political observers not believing he will ever be premier as it is deemed unlikely the Nationals will ever outperform the Labor and Liberal parties in future elections.

In the 2025 Western Australian state election, he was elected in the newly created seat of Mid-West. Love was replaced as leader of the opposition by Basil Zempilas after the election.

Political positions

Indigenous Voice to Parliament

Love formerly supported the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, but changed to opposing the Voice in August 2023.

Live Exports

Love opposes the Australian Labor Party's effort to phase out Live Exports nationwide by 2028, claiming that potentially thousands of Jobs are at risk if implemented.