West Australian Premier Colin Barnett has knocked back a challenge from Opposition leader Mark McGowan for three televised debates in the lead up to the state election in March.

Mr McGowan wanted one debate managed by the media, one in a regional town and one in Perth where the public could ask questions about core issues including traffic congestion, employment and the cost of living.

"I think West Australians are dying for more information," he said.

Mr McGowan said it was important to allow the public to see the debates "unvarnished, unedited and unscripted".

However, Mr Barnett said he would not agree to having three debates.

"As has been the convention in previous state elections, there will only be one leaders' debate - a television debate," he said.

Meanwhile, Nationals WA state president Colin Holt has ruled out preferencing Labor ahead of the Liberal Party in all lower house seats.

The Nationals negotiated with both parties after the previous election and eventually helped the Liberals form government.

Mr Holt said on Monday that the Nationals would continue its alliance with the Liberal Party in the hopes of forming a stable alliance government.

He said the Labor Party wanted to remove the Royalties for Regions program and would preference the Liberal Party ahead of The Nationals to do it.

"Labor has ruled out forming government with the Nationals and the feeling is mutual," Mr Holt said.

Nationals WA leader Brendon Grylls said the party was determined to win enough seats to ensure it could retain the balance of power on behalf of regional West Australians.

Mr McGowan said the announcement was not surprising and it was a facade that the Nationals were independent.

"Mr Grylls (and) the National Party, can't pretend to be independent anymore," he said.

"They are now part of the Liberal Party machine.

"All of their promises need to be added together."

The ABC has reported it is hoping to show one leaders' debate on February 19.