The soundtrack said the party was rocking and urged the Liberal faithful to please don't stop believing.

And borrowing from an American-style hand-clapping, roof-raising, darn-tootin' political rally, Tony Abbott rolled into Perth to acclaim Colin Barnett as the best darn sheriff in the country.

While he was there, the opposition leader sharpened the spurs for his own big shot in the wild, wild west.

The University of Western Australia, Perth's 100-year old seat of learning on the banks of the Swan River, turned blue for the morning to host the WA Liberals' official campaign launch.

Julie Bishop, blonde hair glistening in the azure backlight, warmed up the crowd with a dig at WA Labor leader Mark McGowan - and then a broadside at his federal counterparts.

"There is a chronic disease afflicting the Australian Labor Party, and the pathology lies deep within," Ms Bishop said.

"The acute cases manifest in the Eddie Obeid's of the Labor world.

"Julia Gillard and her dysfunctional government has declared war on Western Australia.

"And Mark McGowan will be her loyal foot soldier."

Falling short of promising the next man on stage would be Australia's next prime minister - "because Kevin has to have one more go" - Bishop gave way to Abbott, who came bearing verbal gifts for Mr Barnett and the voters.

WA's premier was a Liberal beacon of hope. A role model. A friend.

And Mr Abbott said it was about time the rest of the country realised what he knew. That west is best.

"Every Australian owes a debt to Western Australia and in an important sense, West Australians are the best Australians," Mr Abbott said.

"I know, you know, that there's not much wrong in this state.

"I know, you know, that there's quite a bit wrong with our country right now but there's almost nothing, my friends, wrong with our country that a change of government wouldn't improve."

Mr Abbott's message was clear - I am here to help you now - and I hope the feeling is mutual come September.

Then it was Mr Barnett's turn, appearing with a hint of mischief from the back of the Octagon Theatre with wife Lynn and a gap-toothed grin.

The premier's speech did not quite hit the heights, despite an audience of party-faithful.

Trust us was the familiar message. We know how to get things done, we know how to handle the money.

The announcements of a new site for Scitech, Perth's science-based educational funhouse, and 155 new school nurses were well-received but hardly show-stoppers.

And while the music and lights were loud and bright to finish the show, Mr Barnett and Mr Abbott declined to appear together on stage for the grand finale.

Instead they made do with a handshake and separate exits, without taking questions, leaving the state candidates on stage to take the applause, and dream of more acclaim on March 9 - and possibly September 14.