Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett says WA should thank former Premier Colin Barnett for Optus Stadium

Ex-Premier Colin Barnett should be thanked for delivering Optus Stadium to WA and ensuring a Perth grand final was even possible, according to his former cross-country colleague Jeff Kennett.

Speaking to The West Live host Jenna Clarke, the former Victorian Premier reminded West Aussies of the man who laid the foundations for Optus Stadium to become a reality.

Mr Kennett — who is also the Hawthorn Football Club president — said if the grand final was to ever be held in Perth, Mr Barnett should be invited back for the bounce down.

“Western Australia is, without a doubt, a beneficiary of what’s happening to some degree because you now have the AFL being played there (Optus Stadium) and using your new facility almost on a weekly basis, in a way that was never envisaged,” the AFL heavyweight said.

“That's giving WA wonderful publicity on the eastern coast of Australia.

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“You may not like this but can I just say that I remember sitting down with your former Premier Colin Barnett when he was discussing the stadium and saying what a wonderful idea it was.

“He got severely criticised by the other side of politics who said ‘why would you spend so much money’ on a facility that is going to serve your state well for many, many years to come.

“I hope your Premier will have the decency to stand up publicly and thank Colin for what he has delivered to Western Australia.”

Optus Stadium was officially opened on December 11, 2017. The first sporting game was a Twenty20 cricket match between the Perth Scorchers and the England Lions.

Mr Barnett was acknowledged during the stadium's opening and was invited to cut the ribbon with WA Premier Mark McGowan during the opening ceremony.

Despite his involvement, Mr Kennett called on Mr McGowan to give the former Liberal leader a shout out for his efforts.

Election hopes have faded for the WA Liberals amid the pandemic as Mr McGowan's popularity surges, with Ms Harvey's criticism for opponent policy falling silent.

When the State Liberal leader did call the government to act on reopening the interstate border she was left to revoke the push after the new Victorian outbreak.