UPDATE: Basil Zempilas is determined to lead the WA Liberals back from the brink as he sets his sights on the 2029 election. The former Liberal leader, reflecting on his tumultuous nine-month tenure, asserts that his experience has fortified his resolve to challenge the current government and regain the trust of West Australians.
In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Times, Zempilas stated, “I don’t feel like I’m out of my depth. I feel very comfortable playing that role — to be a very strong voice for those who do not have a voice.” His confidence comes as the party grapples with the fallout from three significant election defeats.
Just months after winning the Churchlands seat from Labor in March, Zempilas took the reins from Libby Mettam. He now leads a party with only seven seats in the lower house, making the next three years crucial for its political survival. “There is a big mountain to climb, but mountains are there to be climbed,” he emphasized, indicating that he won’t be deterred by past failures.
The political landscape in Western Australia is heating up, particularly following Rita Saffioti’s failed bid to bring a Serie A soccer game to Perth. Zempilas seized this opportunity to critique the Labor government’s priorities, questioning, “Who is running the show?” He suggested that Saffioti should have reconsidered her plans and criticized the Cook Government for spending nearly $100 million on a new NRL team, the Perth Bears, which he argues should have been funded by the league itself.
Zempilas highlights the disconnect between WA’s wealth and the day-to-day struggles of its citizens. “Although we are a very prosperous State, a great deal of West Australians are not feeling that prosperity,” he said, pointing out that many families are worried about bills, housing stability, and the cost of living.
Looking forward, Zempilas is focusing on policy changes that could resonate with voters. He plans to push for reductions in payroll tax and adjustments to stamp duty thresholds, aiming to ease the financial burden on first-time homebuyers in a market where the median house price is $800,000.
As political alliances shift, Zempilas hinted at a potential formal coalition with the Nationals leading up to the 2029 election. “We are certainly doing all of the things that would allow us to get to that position, but we are not there yet,” he noted. This strategy could strengthen their chances of reclaiming power from the Labor government.
As Zempilas prepares for the challenges ahead, the stakes for him and the WA Liberals are higher than ever. The next three years will be critical in determining whether they can transform their fortunes and engage an electorate that’s feeling increasingly disillusioned.
Stay tuned for updates as Zempilas and the Liberals gear up for what promises to be a heated political battle leading to the 2029 election.
