Basil Zempilas: Don’t be a hero Sam Kerr, you must sit out the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada clash
1. It’s impossible not to like Premier Roger Cook.
He’s a gentleman. Last weekend I took my six-year-old son to the Indian Society of WA’s cultural and entertainment showcase and the Premier, who was also a guest, was as warm and welcoming to Anthony as he was to me.
So when Roger Cook sends a public message to his frontbench to be humble, what does that tell you? And when he doubles down to say “we are not to present as an arrogant Government”, you don’t need a poll to tell you how the new leader thinks his Government is tracking.
2. Humility can be demonstrated in many ways. One of the best ways is by listening. I’m a firm believer too often, too many in this day and age take a view on something and refuse to budge, even in the face of overwhelming evidence their position is out of whack. Nothing says you’re humble like saying “I got that wrong, sorry, I’m going to fix it”. Let’s see how big a fix-it job the State Government do on the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act.
3. Clearly that confusion hasn’t helped The Voice to Parliament debate but as I’ve said previously, those framing the question haven’t helped it either. The closer we get to a No result at the referendum, the clearer it is it should have been a two-part question. The opportunity to have our First Australians recognised in the Constitution is slipping away. And for me, that’s the real tragedy.
4. In a national newspaper article celebrating John Howard’s 83rd birthday this week there was a reference to ordinary Australians not wanting to be “force-fed their preferred cultural diet.” There might be something in that.
5. Yesterday on the 70th anniversary of the armistice, I had the great honour to represent the City of Perth at the unveiling ceremony of the Korean War Memorial in Kings Park. The memorial honours those brave West Australians who answered the call to arms and never returned. One of the enduring legacies of their sacrifice is the incredibly strong relationship WA enjoys today with the Republic of Korea. Lest we forget.
6. A malfunction of mother nature or something which is impossible for humans to understand? Whatever the reason for the pilot whales effectively taking their own lives, it’s terribly sad and very difficult to explain to curious and concerned kids.
7. Even for a few extra bucks, how would you go if a couple of strangers moved into one or two of your empty rooms? I’m not sure it would be for me. Imagine breakfast time.
8. There’s a lot of misinformation flying around the West Coast Eagles at present. One thing I am told reliably we can dismiss is this idea Trevor Nisbett is seeking a two-year contract extension. He’s not.
9. It doesn’t matter how forceful her arguments are, Sam Kerr should not play against Canada on Monday night. It will be tempting but it would be a mistake. Save our Sam.
10. I don’t care how many millions it’s made already, I’m still not going to see the Barbie movie. Oppenheimer on the other hand …
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