Rita Saffioti: Basil’s unholy alliance with the Greens puts projects at risk

1. This Top 10 is going to focus on the self-proclaimed messiah of the Liberal Party. Basil Zempilas loves talking about himself, so today, I’m going to join in.

2. Basil is not only partnering with the Nationals, but he is also now joining forces with the Greens to oppose nearly every project our Government has proposed. More recently, his partnership with the Greens to oppose cuts to red tape, an expanded ferry system and the Burswood sport and entertainment precinct shows he will say anything for attention.

3. Basil is a commentator, but unlike his previous jobs he’ll be held to account on what he says from one day to the next.

4. Last year he welcomed an expanded ferry system on the Swan River. This year he wants to stop the project from going ahead.

5. Of course, the Liberals have opposed Metronet. Rail lines to Yanchep, to Ellenbrook, to Byford and surrounding suburbs, plus the Armadale Line transformation. They think people in our suburbs shouldn’t have quality public transport, or that WA should be manufacturing our railcars.

6. When he was Perth lord mayor, he tried to block the construction of a new primary school in East Perth.

7. Basil opposed the WACA redevelopment, including the new community aquatic facility. As mayor, he did everything to try to stop the pool going ahead, but luckily, we stood our ground and have got it done.

8. As mayor he opposed dealing with homelessness and victims of domestic violence. So much so, he went out of his way to shut down a women’s shelter in the City of Perth.

9. The Liberals and Greens are now trying to block further development in this State. That means new job-creating projects, simply because they are against our planning reforms which are making it easier to do business in WA.

10. Basil has joined his new mates — the Greens — to try to stop the sports and entertainment precinct on what is an unused piece of land and was formerly a rubbish tip in Burswood. The precinct will include an amphitheatre, facilities for a whole range of sports and entertainment, cycling events and of course the ability to host a Supercars event once a year. The sad reality is that Basil — who claimed he would “raise standards” — opposes anything and everything and says whatever he can to get a headline and make the next news cycle.

Rita Saffioti is the Deputy Premier