WA election: Opposition Leader hits back at Christian Porter's 'slimy, sweaty McGowan' comments

WA's Opposition Leader has accused a senior Turnbull Government minister of disrespecting every Australian who has served in the military with his remarks at a Liberal Party function.

Mark McGowan hit back at the comments by Social Services Minister Christian Porter to the Liberal Party's state election campaign launch, in which he described the WA Labor leader as a "junior, sweaty Navy lawyer".

Mr McGowan served in the navy as a lawyer for seven years, ending in the mid-1990s.

Mr Porter strongly attacked several members of Labor's team in his speech yesterday, with Mr McGowan on the receiving end of the strongest criticism.

"If our state is to boldly go places we haven't gone before, I can absolutely assure you I don't want a junior, sweaty Navy lawyer at the helm," Mr Porter said.

"On the starship WA we need the real McCoy, not a slimy, sweaty McGowan."

Mr McGowan dismissed the attack as "grubby and nasty" and said people who had served in the military deserved more respect.

"What they've done is insult everyone who has ever worn a uniform, I think it was very inappropriate," Mr McGowan said.

"Anyone in military service, who has been attacked by Mr Porter, should be offended."

Premier Colin Barnett downplayed the remarks immediately after the launch, saying he was untroubled by them.

"They weren't my words but I am comfortable with that," he said.

"Indeed, given the abuse I've copped from Mark McGowan over the years, this is an election campaign, it's all on the table."

Photo Mr McGowan says Mr Porter's comments were "grubby and nasty".

ABC News: Jacob Kagi