WA Premier Roger Cook says his party has no qualms about taking on the star power of sports commentator-turned political aspirant Basil Zempilas in the 2025 election.
Key points:
- Basil Zempilas announced he would seek Liberal Party preselection on Saturday
- The government has attacked Mr Zempilas often in recent months
- But Premier Roger Cook said his government was not nervous about the move
On Saturday, Mr Zempilas announced his intention to put his hand up for Liberal preselection in the seat of Churchlands, making it likely he will be a candidate for the seat at the next election, ending months of preselection.
But when asked if his government was nervous about the prospect of taking on the media personality and current City of Perth Lord Mayor, Mr Cook said: "Not at all."
"The Liberals are a threat in government. They're not fit for government.
"I think Western Australians understand that when they elect their government, they are making an important decision on the future of government.
"It's not about celebrity status, it's not about personalities, it's about policies, and it's about who is best to protect the Western Australian economy and Western Australian jobs."
Mr Zempilas has been touted as a potential future Liberal Party leader, with insiders hopeful his three decades in the media as a sports commentator and radio host will help boost the party's profile.
Cost-of-living measures announced
Mr Cook's comments came after the premier announced two new measures to help ease cost-of-living pressures – free public transport for school students on school days and for all residents on Sundays.
The state government already provides free school bus services in regional WA, but from the first full week of the school year students in Perth are set to follow suit.
Mr Cook said students with a valid SmartRider card would travel free on buses and trains Monday to Friday from February 5.
In addition, all public transport users with a SmartRider will travel free on public transport on Sundays from February 4.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the cost of both programs would be $20 million annually, a revenue shortfall the government pledged to make up in its next budget.
The government estimates the initiative will save one-child families more than $300 and two-child families $500 per year.
Mr Cook denied this was an attempt to start campaigning in the lead up to the next election in March 2025.
"My government understands the pressures of the cost of living, particularly with the rising interest rates," he said.
"We are acting on those concerns and bringing in measures to make it that little bit easier."
WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam said the Labor party had "concerns" about Mr Zempilas's prospects.
"Quite clearly the Cook government is very much distracted by the candidacy and the interest [in] Basil in seeking preselection," Ms Mettam said.
"There's no doubt that [they] have concerns about candidates with a high-profile seeking interest in joining the WA Liberal team in the lead-up to the 2025 election."
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