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Basil Zempilas: No common ground in East Perth project delay

Headshot of Basil Zempilas
Basil ZempilasThe West Australian
Common Ground in East Perth has not gone to plan.
Camera IconCommon Ground in East Perth has not gone to plan. Credit: Gresley Abas Architects

1. The “indefinite delay” in the East Perth Common Ground project is a huge blow to our community. I was extremely disappointed to hear of the decision yesterday. We were all led to believe Common Ground — a $70 million facility for up to 150 people, was a major part of the State Government’s plan to tackle homelessness. Now, three years after it was announced — nothing. People who are experiencing homelessness deserve better and our city deserves better. This delay lets the most vulnerable in our community down. Common Ground should be an absolute priority for the Minister for Homelessness and the Department of Communities.

2. Can someone tell me why inflation and interest rates are both going up? I thought they were supposed to be inversely related.

3. Later today competition gets under way at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. If you believe the critics, no one cares. Earlier this year, on the prospect of Perth hosting in 2026, our own Premier said “It’s just a luxury — and it’s not the event it once was. Let’s face it, the Commonwealth Games is not what it once was.” If that’s right, the next 10 days should produce mediocre ratings and little attention. Let’s see.

4. One more thought — as a broadcaster and a supporter of the Games, I’m invested. So perhaps I see what others don’t. The secret to the modern relevance of the Commonwealth Games is the integration of the para-events with the able bodied program. It’s inclusion at its finest. And it feels so good.

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5. I’ve got no idea what Mathias Cormann did or didn’t do behind the scenes of the Liberal Party in WA and frankly, it’s not something I need to concern myself with. But his return to Perth this week reminded me he was one of the architects of the $1.5 billion Perth City Deal which is in the process of transforming our city.

6. In my opinion, the Manly NRL club is entitled to ask its players to wear any jersey it likes, provided that jersey doesn’t contravene Australian law. The most staggering part of this week’s pride jersey controversy is the players weren’t told what was happening earlier. (Note told, not asked). All of this could have been avoided.

7. I saw the Elvis movie on Monday night and loved it. There is no doubt Baz Luhrmann is a genius film maker — but he does have a habit of running his movies 30 minutes too long.

8. There’s so much love for Freo’s retro-look jumper. I know purple’s their thing now but that formative years quad colour guernsey really pops.

9. Ricky Nixon. Delete.

10. Congratulations to the cast and crew of Neighbours on their final episode. Thirty-seven years is a mighty effort and the finale, which found a way to include many of the old characters and story lines, was both clever and emotional. I’m glad Channel 10 put the last episode on their main channel. All of the last week should have been there. Farewell Ramsay Street.

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