Newly elected Western Australian Liberal Party leader Basil Zempilas says his first priority is to listen to voters who feel neglected by the Cook Labor Government.
“The first priority of the WA Liberals is to listen to West Australians who have been left behind by the Cook Labor Government,” Zempilas told Neos Kosmos.
He vowed to hold the government accountable, stating, “We will ensure WA Labor makes decisions that benefit all West Australians while being held accountable for any inaction.”
A former Lord Mayor of Perth, Zempilas has strong ties to the Greek community through his Kastellorizian heritage. Before entering politics, he played as a ruckman and forward for West Perth in the WAFL before an injury forced his retirement in 1994. He then built a successful media career as a sports reporter with the Seven Network.
The WA Liberals suffered a crushing defeat in 2021 and failed again to regain much ground in 2025, despite efforts to rebuild. Zempilas himself narrowly retained his seat in Churchlands, highlighting the tough road ahead for conservatives in the state.
Labor secured an expected 45 seats in its third consecutive term—a result that Zempilas suggested should serve as a wake-up call for the opposition.
He criticised the Labor government, claiming it was “compromised by promises made to union mates” and engaged in “frivolous pet projects, like a speedway, which waste taxpayers’ money and don’t benefit the lives of West Australians.”
Looking ahead, Zempilas said the next four years will be about proving that the WA Liberals are a viable alternative.
“The WA Liberal Team will prove to West Australians we are a credible alternative government, with the vision and capability to drive our state forward.”
With two heavy electoral defeats behind them, the challenge for Zempilas and the Liberals will be mounting a serious opposition to a dominant Labor government.
