Basil Zempilas, leader of the Western Australia (WA) Liberal Party, has found himself at the center of a political storm following recent comments made by federal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. Zempilas, who has been in his leadership role for just six months, has taken a strong stance on several issues, aiming to reshape the party’s image and enhance its position as a credible opposition. This week, however, his leadership has been tested as he navigates internal party tensions and public backlash.
During his brief tenure, Zempilas has transformed the WA Liberals into a more assertive opposition, effectively challenging the state government on various fronts. His willingness to publicly oppose federal party colleagues, including Michaelia Cash and Andrew Hastie, on contentious issues like the net zero emissions target for 2050 and the display of the Aboriginal flag at government events has garnered attention. He has claimed these decisions reflect the sentiments of Western Australians, positioning himself as a leader in touch with local perspectives.
Zempilas’s recent comments come in the wake of Price’s divisive statements regarding Indian migrants, suggesting the federal government was increasing their numbers to secure votes for the Labor Party. In response to these remarks, Zempilas expressed his disapproval, stating, “I don’t like the pointing of fingers at any ethnic group… that’s not the Australia that I grew up in, it’s not the Australia that I love.” He emphasized the importance of unity and respect, citing his family’s migration history from Greece.
In an effort to mitigate the fallout from Price’s comments, Zempilas reached out to the Indian Society of WA to address any tensions caused by her remarks. He highlighted the significance of an apology, stating, “The power of the apology could be very significant.” Despite this, the situation escalated when Price, after a brief media appearance, refused to apologize for her comments and was subsequently removed from the shadow cabinet.
The dynamics shifted further when it was revealed that a fundraising event featuring Price would be held shortly after her controversial statements. The event, scheduled at an Indian community centre in Perth, was originally organised before the backlash erupted. Zempilas, now responsible for both Price and fellow MP Nick Goiran, faced mounting pressure from the opposition, particularly from the Labor Party, which sought to capitalise on the discord within the Liberal ranks.
Premier Roger Cook criticized Zempilas in parliament, stating, “The Liberal Party claims that Senator Price says what needs to be said… her comments last week have incited division and anxiety across Australia.” He called on the WA Liberals to apologise for welcoming Price to the state and requested the cancellation of the fundraising event.
In a defence offered as he arrived at parliament, Zempilas remarked, “There’s a fundraiser that’s been organised some time ago… I accept that Senator Jacinta Price is part of the panel that will appear at that event.” Meanwhile, Legislative Councillor Michelle Hofmann, who organised the event, defended Price’s participation, noting the interest from the community in hearing from her.
Despite the controversy, approximately 500 attendees gathered at the Indian Community Centre to hear from Goiran and Price. Notably absent was Zempilas, who is tasked with revitalising the party while maintaining support from both its loyal base and broader community.
The challenges Zempilas faces exemplify the complexities of leadership in a politically charged environment. As he seeks to repair the reputation of the WA Liberals, recent events have underscored the difficult balancing act of addressing party unity while responding to community concerns. The coming weeks will likely test Zempilas’s ability to navigate these turbulent waters and position the WA Liberals as a formidable opposition in the lead-up to future elections.
