Former WA Premier Colin Barnett believes a national recession is "likely" while former State Minister and Federal MP Alannah MacTiernan is less certain. 

"I wouldn't be surprised if  Australia slides into a fairly shallow recession... But I think Western Australia will escape that," said Mr Barnett. 

"I think it's all a bit contradictory... you're getting some mixed messages," said Ms MacTiernan. 

The political veterans joined Jamie Burnett on 6PR Weekends to chat all things politics, from WA's growing population to the conduct of politicians in parliament.