Tony Abbott has addressed the WA Liberal Party's campaign rally, telling the crowd he hopes to model his government on Premier Colin Barnett's.

Mr Abbott has attended the launch of the WA Liberal Party's re-election campaign in Perth ahead of the March 9 poll.

The Opposition Leader says Mr Barnett's win at the last state election gave Liberals across the country hope.

He says he has learned a lot from Mr Barnett, describing his government as a model he hopes to repeat in Canberra.

Mr Abbott described Western Australia as the powerhouse of the nation and says every Australian owes a debt to the state.

He also took a dig at Julia Gillard's absence from Labor's state election campaign, saying he was pleased to be the only federal leader welcome in Western Australia.

WA Labor leader Mark McGowan has not invited the Prime Minister to visit during the campaign.

Mr Abbott has told the party faithful he knows why.

"I do challenge the Prime Minister - come west, Prime Minister, come west," he said.

"Don't be shy of coming to Western Australia, do justify the carbon tax, justify the mining tax, because the first person it appears you have to pursuade is your very own state leader."

Mr Abbott was referring to Mr McGowan's decision earlier this month to declare his opposition to the carbon tax.

The Labor leader had until then refused to be drawn on the tax, saying it was a federal issue.

Mr Barnett used the rally to promise a $15 million new home for Scitech at the Burswood peninsula and $57 million over four years for 155 school health nurses.

Federal Deputy Opposition Leader Julie Bishop kicked off the campaign rally.

Ms Bishop received a rousing reception from the crowd before introducing the party's candidates.

Senior WA government minister Norman Moore was given a standing ovation ahead of his retirement after more than 30 years in parliament.