Licence for bikies through fake IDs

A Transport Department employee is facing charges of providing fake IDs to members of the Club Deroes. Source: Herald Sun

A TRANSPORT Department employee is facing corruption charges for allegedly issuing fake WA drivers' licences to members of the Club Deroes outlaw bikie gang.

The Kalgoorlie woman was charged by the major fraud squad this month after an 18-month investigation into the supply of duplicate licences.

Police will allege the 30-year-old supplied fake licences to two members and an associate of the Club Deroes gang while working at the Department of Transport's Kalgoorlie office in 2006.

Detectives launched an investigation last year after facial recognition technology detected the duplicate IDs.

It's understood the woman was known to the trio.

Major fraud squad detective Sen-Sgt Dom Blackshaw confirmed police had laid charges against the woman and said inquiries would continue into the recipients of the licences.

It is the first time anyone has been charged with corruption since technology was introduced to combat identity fraud in WA's licensing system.

"There were some discrepancies found, where people had duplicate licences and where a photograph appeared more than once under different details," Sen-Sgt Blackshaw said.

"This matter relates to three people who each had two licences one in their real name and one in their false name."

Police worked with the Corruption and Crime Commission throughout the investigation.

It's believed details from New Zealand licences were used to obtain the fake IDs.

The State Government introduced facial recognition technology after a sweep of WA's licensing system uncovered hundreds of duplicate IDs.

Police carried out 26 criminal investigations on the back of information provided by the DoT. Of those, seven people have been charged with fraud or attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Among them were taxi and limousine drivers, prosecuted for holding multiple licences to avoid paying traffic fines.

The woman was charged with three counts of corruption and has been summonsed to appear in the Kalgoorlie Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

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Beer stops for rowdy fans

There was trouble outside the Sail n Anchor on South Terrace during the grand final coverage. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

ROWDY footy fans have marred Grand Final celebrations in Fremantle with liquor enforcement officers restricting the service of alcohol at some venues.

The Sail and Anchor's balcony was restricted to water only midway through the game after reports of people pouring beer on people below.

The massive crowd in Freo for the grand final. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

Normal service continued downstairs in the main bar area.

Follow our live coverage of events around town here

Liqorland in the Woolstores building and Fremantle Liquor Store was ordered by Liquor Enforcement officers to stop trading because of problems with patrons outside the two stores, including people drinking in nearby carparks.

It comes as tens of thousands of AFL fans poured into Fremantle to cheer on the port city's beloved Dockers as they watched the grand final in pubs and on big screens on the cappuccino strip.

The crowd on South Terrace in Fremantle for the AFL grand final. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

The main drag of South Terrace, which has been closed to traffic, filled rapidly with crowds in the lead up to game time.

The crowd on South Terrace in Fremantle for the AFL grand final. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

Mayor Brad Pettitt said he was too young to have experienced the America's Cup celebrations in 1983 but, almost 30 years to the day, was told the partying in the port city was exceeding that historic win.

The crowd on South Terrace in Fremantle for the AFL grand final. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

At the Norfolk Hotel, a queue of about 150 footy fans formed long before the pub could open its doors at 10am.

Freo fans' dream of watching their club storm the MCG on Grand Final day had been a long time coming, and they weren't about to let it pass by without a celebration.

Dripping in purple from head to toe, the "Freo!" battle cry rang out from every corner of the city – from Kings' Square to South Terrace and beyond.

The crowd on South Terrace in Fremantle for the AFL grand final. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

 THE Dockers' heartland came alive as tens of thousands of diehard fans packed the streets of the Fremantle CBD.
Their dream of watching their club storm the MCG on Grand Final day had been a long time coming and they weren't about to let it pass by without a celebration.
Dripping in purple from head to toe, the "Freo!" battle cry rang out from every corner of the city – from Kings' Square to South Terrace and beyond.

Callum McNeill, 27, from Winthrop said he'd been part of the Freo faithful since 1996.

He said it was "pretty special" to be able to celebrate such a historic milestone in the port city.

"I think Ross Lyon has done such an amazing job with the team," he said.

Alannah Ashfield began following the Dockers five years ago after moving to Perth from the UK.

"I have given up soccer and come to the AFL and absolutely love Freo," she said.

"Dockers are rockers."

Five big screens were put up by the City of Fremantle in and around the Fremantle cappuccino strip.

And supporter stood shoulder-to-shoulder throughout the game.

Other packed the city's many iconic pubs.

A handful of Hawthorn supporters were among the crowd, including 11-year-old Jarrod Wearing.

Jarrod started following the Hawks three years ago, much to the dismay of his Fremantle-supporting parents.

His father, Ashley Wearing, said he was already looking into buying Grand Final ticket for next year.

"We came down to Freo after last weekend's preliminary final and thought this is the place to be," he said.

"We have say through all the hard years, with Damien Drum and all those horrible times getting beaten. "This is just fantastic."

Peter Bottcher, manager of the Sail and Anchor, said being in Fremantle was almost as good as being at the MCG.

"We had people camping out the front at 6am when I got here," he said.

"We're doing purple beers, big screens everywhere. It's as close as being at the game as possible being in here."

He said the crowd had been well behaved, but it was possible the pub may run out of some varieties of beer before the end of the long weekend.

"We triple ordered this week and it looks like we are going to run out of a few products," he said.

"We were ordering so much beer that our suppliers hadn't made it yet and they had to do two deliveries during the week."

Two men were ejected from the venue by police shortly after 1pm for throwing glasses off the balcony at police.

Watching the game from the balcony of Kulcha Multicultural Arts of WA, Mr Pettitt said he was blown away by the turn out on Saturday.

"It's electric and very purple," he said.

"The whole of Freo is behind the Dockers.

"The Esplanade has got 5,000 people, the whole of Kings Square behind the town hall is full so everywhere you look, it's just amazing.

"Win or lose today it's been a great season and they have really done us proud."
 

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Heartbreak for Dockers in maiden GF

Hawthorn beat a courageous Fremantle to win the 2013 AFL Grand Final.

Hawthorn players celebrate at the final siren while Matthew Pavlich looks on. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: PerthNow

Sam Mitchell celebrates the win. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: PerthNow

THE Fremantle players slumped on the ground with nothing left to give.

The Dockers' failure to win their first premiership was not for lack of effort.

What they lacked was composure, clean hands and cool heads when the pressure was at its most intense.

You only get so many chances and in the end, two brave comeback attempts were not enough as Hawthorn held on by 15 points, 11.11 (77) to 8.14 (62).

MORE COVERAGE: Heartbreak for Freo fans
Fyfe blames himself
Crowley seeks redemption
Pav's mixed day

When Hayden Ballantyne kicked his set shot out on the full entering time-on of the last quarter, it was a cruel moment that summed up the game for the heartbroken Dockers.

Stage fright is a big accusation to throw at a team after a Grand Final but it's one Fremantle will have to wrestle with for the next six months.

Fremantle's Danyle Pearce and Zac Dawson after the loss. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: PerthNow

Ryan Crowley won his battle but Hawthorn won the midfield war as the Hawks avenged last year's Grand Final defeat with the stirring victory.

Crowley held champion midfielder Sam Mitchell to just 12 possessions, but predictions the contest would prove pivotal were wide of the mark.

With the Hill family the other major storyline of the week, it was fitting that Hawk Bradley kicked the sealer 12 minutes into the final term, dribbling through from near the goal line.

Mum Stephanie clapped and celebrated the success of the younger of her two boys, while no doubt sparing a thought for her eldest Stephen.

Fremantle dug itself into a hole in the first half that was too deep to get out of.

The first half was little short of a horror show for the Dockers, who went to the major break with the meagre tally of 1.6 (12) and staring at a 23-point deficit.

Fremantle's Nat Fyfe battles Hawthorn's Brad Sewell for possession. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

Having waited 19 years for its big day, there was no lack of will from Fremantle.

The story of the team was also the story of young midfielder Nat Fyfe in the opening half.

Fyfe played like his life depended on it. He was soaring into the sky one minute and on the bottom of a pack the next.

Twice he took spectacular marks in attack in the first quarter and twice he kicked the ball out on the full with the most important shots he had taken in his life.

The Dockers got the game on their terms for large parts of the second term but sabotaged their efforts to get back into the contest with a series of fumbles, turnovers and poor decisions.

Hawthorn was doing to Fremantle what it did to Sydney in the first half last week.

The symptoms of the meltdown were on show at either end, with Dockers bombing mindlessly out of defence into the waiting arms of opponents and repeatedly failing to take the right option in attack.

After the Hawks had run riot with their kicking game in the first quarter to rack up 41 uncontested marks, Fremantle cut that number back to 13 in the second term.

The Dockers were left to rue a series of moments as they let the repeated chances slip.

Danyle Pearce, one of only two Dockers with previous Grand Final experience, showed he had a big heart in his small frame when he tried to plant a flag in the ground 21 minutes into the second term.

Pearce's brave mark with the flight came with a crunching bump from Grant Birchall.

It was one of those moments that can turn a Grand Final.

Fremantle's Chris Mayne celebrates an important goal in the third term. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

Pearce found Matthew Pavlich who needed to complete the play with just his team's second goal.

Pavlich, who didn't touch the ball in a nightmarish first quarter, missed his set shot and the sense of doom was palpable.

The skipper would make amends in the third as the Dockers gave themselves a chance at the final change.

Led by dominant big man Aaron Sandilands and David Mundy, the Fremantle midfield took control at stoppages early in the premiership quarter as the Dockers kicked four of the first five goals after half-time.

Pavlich was instrumental in the fight back with two majors in the space of six minutes, while small forward Michael Walters also seized the moment following a quiet first half to kick two of his own.

Fremantle was within three points for the second time when Walters finished his terrific grab with a goal 25 minutes into the third, before Jack Gunston's fourth restored a buffer for the Hawks.

The Dockers were desperate for the first goal but it was a long bomb from Isaac Smith instead that proved decisive. When Luke Breust and Bradley Hill added goals of their own Hawthorn was safe.

HAWTHORN 2.3  5.5  8.8  11.11 (77)
FREMANTLE 0.3  1.6  6.10  8.14 (62)
Goals: Hawthorn: J Gunston 4 J Roughead 2 B Hill C Rioli I Smith L Breust L Franklin.
Fremantle: M Pavlich 3 M Walters 2 C Mayne D Pearce T Mzungu.
Best: Dockers: Mundy, Fyfe, Crowley, Johnson, Sandilands, Barlow.
Hawks: Lake, Hodge, Gunston, Birchall, Lewis, Smith.
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Brett Rosebury, Mathew Nichols, Simon Meredith.
Crowd: 100,007 at the MCG.

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Proud Freo fans feel the pain

A Freo fan at the MCG holds her head after a Hawks goal. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

SHATTERED Dockers fans shed purple tears as their team suffered a 15-point loss in its first AFL Grand Final.

The devastation was palpable at the MCG, where Fremantle put up a gallant fight - and the purple army did its best to get its team over the line.

Once the final siren blared, some dropped their heads in their hands, others sat still and alone, contemplating the crushing loss.

But most - in true Dockers-fan style - held their heads high, proud of their club's efforts in its maiden Grand Final, a moment they had waited almost two decades for.

MORE COVERAGE: Freo heartbreak in maiden GF
Fyfe blames himself

Crowley seeks redemption
Pav's mixed day

Among those in the crowd was new Federal MP for Perth Alannah MacTiernan, who said the Dockers' Grand Final appearance was a great moment for the state.

She egged them on with original Fremantle supporter and fellow Labor MP Rita Saffioti.

Alannah MacTiernan with Rita Saffioti at the game. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

"I just think it's brilliant that they got into the Grand Final," Ms MacTiernan said.

"It's been a bloody great day for WA. Just getting here is an impressive achievement."

Diehard fan John Vidovich, a member of the official cheer squad, was glowing in his appraisal of the team he supports with unrivalled passion.

"Fremantle are a champion team, not a team of champions," he said.

"All year they've been disciplined and played with intensity and passion. Our club has a bright future and I am so proud to be a part of it."

Nat Fyfe and Danyle Pearce on stage at the Dockers' post-Grand Final function at Melbourne Convention Centre. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

Former club favourite Clive Waterhouse, considered a cult figure by Fremantle fans, said he had never been prouder. "It's been a fantastic year and I've enjoyed watching the boys," he said.

"It is definitely the proudest moment for the club and I'm happy to be here to share that."

Long-time fan Ben Wilcox, from Joondalup, was also full of praise.

"They have been bloody impressive all year," he said.

"Ross is the boss.

"I had to fly here via Brisbane, got delayed and ended up arriving at three in the morning. But it was worth it. I'm just happy to be here  and just happy they made it."

Fellow fan Kerri Bishop, from Bunbury, was so keen to see the Dockers run on to the MCG, she flew to Melbourne via Singapore to get there.

"It's been such a fantastic year," she said.

"I think we have grown so much.

"In the last two years, our growth has been immense. We have really matured into a very strong football team and club."

The game was particularly tense for Ian Collins and his Perth son-in-law Ben Burfitt.

Mr Collins barracks for the Hawks, while Mr Burfitt supports the Dockers.

"I've already taken his daughter away with me to Perth so the game has been interesting," Mr Burfitt said.

The players appeared devastated, some clearly overwhelmed by emotion, as they were presented to the room full of staff, sponsors and supporters at Melbourne Convention centre, attracting a standing ovation.

Among the patrons were number one ticket holders Ben Roberts-Smith, Rove McManus and Eskimo Joe, who played for the crowd.

"It's an absolute honour to be playing for everyone here after such a hard-fought game," Kav Temperley said.

Coach Ross Lyon said he appreciated the passion for the club, but warned "there's another step to go here before we're a great club".

"I'd like to acknowledge, in the two years I've been here, the growth of the player group and their appetite to work," he said.

"We recognise we have grown, but there's plenty of hard work to do. The players understand that.

"They (Hawthorn) acknowledged they had to tweak, they had to change, and if they did that, they could grow.

"That's exactly where we're at. There's certainly no closing statements here.

"I do want us to understand though, I love the passion, but we didn't win today, we didn't create greatness when there was an opportunity for that.

"I want us to be aware of that fact. I love the passion, but there's a another step to go here before we're a great club.

"We have to return consistently, we have to do the work and we have to continue to improve."

Captain Matthew Pavlich thanked "the families and partners" who "sacrifice as much as we do".

"We apologise for not getting the job done," he told the crowd.

"To our fans, it's taken 19 years to get to this point. Let's hope it doesn't take another 19 years to get back to this point."

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Property bubble fears ‘overstated’

Second win in a row for local stocks

ANZ Australian chief executive Phil Chronican says we need more houses and apartments. Source: News Limited

CONCERNS rising property prices are fuelling a property bubble are "overstated" as there is a two-year shortfall of new homes in the system to meet existing demand, one of the nation's leading lenders said.

ANZ Australian chief executive Phil Chronican said the almost 6 per cent lift in house prices nationally over the past 12 months — to their highest level in three years — is likely to continue for the rest of the year as official interest rates are likely to remain at their record 53-year low.

Strong population growth however means the demand is much stronger than supply.

But the boss of the nation's fourth biggest lender — with a $180 billion mortgage book — admitted over the long-term the country is not immune and it is critical more houses and apartments are built to curb price rises.

"I think the concern (of a property bubble) is overstated," Mr Chronican said.

"At least part of the recent strength has simply been a rebound in housing market activity after an unusually extended period of subdued housing market sales.

"To stop this demand exacerbating the rising price trends though, we need to see a supply response. This will be good for the economy and employment — we need more houses and apartments."

The remarks came after the Reserve Bank raised concerns cashed-up self-managed superannuation funds may be overheating the housing market, as the market grows at a faster pace than wages.

But new data from credit rating agency Moody's released today shows the lower interest rate setting has helped push down residential mortgage arrears in five of eight states and territories in the 12 months to April this year.

Only Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory registered a lift in 30-day mortgage arrears.

Nationally 30-day delinquencies fell to 1.59 per cent this year from 1.81 per cent last year.

Mr Chronican said the single biggest factor driving housing demand is population growth.

"What has protected Australia from a sharp downturn has been the absence of an excess supply and continued steady demand from a consistently growing population," he said.

"No excess supply and no collapse in housing demand; therefore no price collapse."

The maintenance of prudent lending standards by the majors is also vital if Australia is to avoid a property bubble, Mr Chronican said.

The latest official data shows Australia's population grew by almost 400,000 people in the 12 months to March, pushing the population past 23 million.

Overseas migration constituted more than 50 per cent of the population growth in that period.

But home building activity in Australia has remained largely unchanged at around 145,000 new homes per annum over the past 30 years, Mr Chronican said.

"ANZ estimates there's a shortfall of around 270,000 dwellings — equivalent to 20 months of housing construction," he said.

"So if population growth stalled it would take almost two years to eliminate the current underlying housing shortage."

The increase in offerings of risky 95 per cent loan-to-value-ration offerings — which allows borrowers to provide only a 5 per cent deposit has however seen the RBA and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority recently warn all the major financial institutions not to grow market share by relaxing their lending standards.

Self-Managed Superannuation Funds were singled out as needing particularly close monitoring in the coming months as they often invest around 15 per cent of their portfolios directly into the property market.

SMSF's represent about one-third of the $1.6 trillion superannuation sector — up from 9 per cent in 1995.

This spike in the housing market is causing major headaches for the RBA as it tries to use lower interest rates to push down the Australian dollar and boost growth in the non-mining sectors of the economy while not inflating a property bubble.

The central concern is prices in Sydney, where the auction clearance rate is almost 90 per cent, and RP Data shows house prices have risen by more than 1.5 per cent in the past month.

But concerns about property price rises are not likely to subside anytime soon as Westpac chief economist Bill Evans — the most successful interest rate tipper in recent years — expects the strong Australian dollar will force the RBA to cut again as early as Melbourne Cup Day with a follow-up cut of another 25 basis points in the first quarter of next year.

Official interest rates are tipped to then stay at 2 per cent throughout 2014.

stephen.mcmahon@news.com.au

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O'Callaghan not happy with 7am GF booze plan

Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan is not impressed with plans for Fremantle pubs to open at 7am on Grand Final day. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

LIQUOR licensing laws allowing Fremantle pubs to open as early as 7am may be changed after the weekend Grand Final revelry, Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan says.

Mr O'Callaghan also told a budget estimates hearing today that the first time he knew of the plan - which will allow football fans to down booze as breakfast - was when he saw it on the front page of a newspaper.

``We will be revisiting or visiting the trading hours in Fremantle after this matter,'' Mr O'Callaghan said.

"I've been saying for a long time that if we need to change the culture of drinking in Western Australia, and particularly binge drinking, we need to send the right messages to the community. I don't think opening up at 7am on any day is a very responsible thing to from a licensee's perspective," Mr O'Callaghan said.

"If it's history then I think it's time to revisit it, to think if it's appropriate trading in today's environment. I don't see any reason for people to be drinking alcohol at 7am in the morning and I'll bet the community doesn't either. I don't think it's responsible for licensees to open at that time.

"It's too late to try and intervene in this process now. We have the right police contingent to deal with what might happen on Saturday."

WA is currently undergoing a review of the Liquor Control Act. Mr O'Callaghan is a vocal campaigner against excessive drinking and alcohol advertisements targeting young people.

He said he had not been consulted about the 7am opening hours by the minister responsible for racing, gaming and liquor, Terry Waldron, despite the move requiring substantial additional police resources in Fremantle.

But Deputy Commissioner Chris Dawson said the licensing laws that allowed such early boozing applied only to Fremantle and were a historical legacy to benefit wharfies, so pubs could simply opt to exercise their right to open.

Mr Dawson said the heavy police presence would include mounted police, dogs, air support and licence enforcement officers.

Mr O'Callaghan said police would have to mount a major operation to ensure lawfulness in the Dockers homeland, and the early pub openings meant it would take far longer.

``It's likely we'll be doing that a lot earlier in the morning than we otherwise would have planned to do,'' he said.

This weekend is a long one, with WA celebrating the Queen's Birthday on a different date to the rest of Australia, and also marks the start of the week-long Perth Royal Show.

Police Minister Liza Harvey said there was no excuse for excessively drinking and driving because there would be extra trains and buses, particularly in Fremantle.

``We want people to have a really good time,'' she told Fairfax radio on Thursday.

``But please be responsible about the way that you behave.''

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Aussie cop blasts 1D over wild ride

Boy band mania is at fever pitch in Adelaide with just hours before One Direction takes the stage for its first concert on a nation-wide tour

One Direction in concert at Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Source: News Limited

POLICE have signalled they will investigate allegations One Direction's entourage ran three red lights on the way to their hotel in Western Australia.

WA Assistant Commissioner Nick Anticich tonight said it's "unacceptable behaviour'' - rock stars or not.

"I have been made aware of it and I've asked our traffic enforcement group to have a look at it. We need to determine the facts and obviously if there's any evidence supporting the allegations," Mr Anticich said.

"It's unacceptable behaviour. It breaches the law and we will deal with every person in the same way. By virtue of the fact that they are rock stars is no licence to break any laws or be any different from anyone else.

"One Direction they may be, but the only direction in relation to this type offending will be to the courts."

FAN TALES: Wrong direction not One Direction

FAN TALES: Ticket scalpers one direction of greed

Fans await the airrval of One Direction in Perth. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij Source: News Limited

Earlier today, WA's Police Minister told the One Direction entourage to "pull their heads in".

Police Minister Liza Harvey said: "It's an operational matter for police but I would encourage One Direction to pull their head in in Western Australia and set an example for their predominantly young fans.

"It's a clear message for everyone who uses our roads. We have really strong legislation in this state and that applies to everybody who visits here.

"We extend a warm welcome but when you're here we expect you to apply the same standards that we apply to our community."

It was a hostile reception for One Direction fans hoping to greet the British supergroup, who flew in to Perth airport by private jet at 1.30am this morning.

The boy band's security guards photographed the faces of young fans, who dared to follow their dangerous car ride to Crown Perth — during which they ignored sets of red traffic lights.

The teenage heart-throbs were whisked away in a convoy of three Mercedes vans, with dark tinted windows, bypassing the group of less than 15 fans waiting to lay eyes on their idols

One Direction fans in Perth. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij Source: News Limited

It was a far cry from the 200 fans at Adelaide Airport, who the band dodged on Sunday citing safety reasons.

Yet the convoy sped down Great Eastern Highway, running at least three red lights.

A procession of fans in about eight vehicles followed, some of them also running red lights.

Fan Ben Blakeley, 22, described the race from the airport as "epic".

"It was the whole Princess Di thing," he said, referring to the 1997 Paris car crash in which she died.

"I was wondering what was going to happen.

"Everyone was speeding and running red lights except us and one other car because my friend's Mum was driving.

"She was like having a nervous breakdown."

One Direction check into their Perth hotel. Picture: Channel Nine Source: Channel 9

The chase halted when the vans pulled into a Belmont petrol station and about six security guards emerged — all clad in black.

One guard proceeded to intimidate fans and photographers by leaning into their cars and photographing their faces with a camera phone.

He also snapped their numberplates and demanded they stop following, in an aggressive tone.

One Direction fan Eve Michele said she was shocked by the behaviour.

"They were just rude," she said.

"I didn't expect that sort of behaviour.

"That's just not right that they're guests in our country and they can treat us like this."

The 22 year old said he had been "stalking" celebrities at airports since she was 12 and had never encountered such aggressive behaviour from security staff.

"I'm put off trying to meet them ever again," she said.

Paige Stepanoski. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij Source: News Limited

But it didn't deter fan Paige Stepanoski.

The 17-year-old lifeguard said she would like to give One Direction member Harry Styles mouth to mouth resuscitation.

"We're going to get married anyway so we will be able to do it all the time," she said.

She even plans on booking a "pool entry room" at Crown Perth, now that she knows the band are staying there.

"Because Liam (Payne) uses the pool all the time," said Miss Stepanoski, who will also travel to their Sydney show next week.

One Direction will perform at Perth Arena on Saturday September 28 and Sunday September 29.

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The biggest Wear Purple to Work day

Crawley statue Eliza shows her support for the Fremantle Dockers. Picture: Supplied. Source: PerthNow

THERE is just one more sleep until that one day in September - the day that the Fremantle Dockers run out on the MCG for their first AFL Grand Final.

PerthNow is calling on readers to support the Fremantle Dockers by donning purple one last time on Friday.

Send us your best photos of you and your friends and family supporting the team in all manner of purple finery.

Post pictures of yourself on Twitter wearing purple on Friday with #PurpleFriday. PerthNow will be collecting the best and add them to a growing gallery.

Pictures: #PurpleFriday

Alternatively, send your photos to readerpics@perthnow.com.au.

Woodside workers get behind Fremantle and our Wear Purple To Work campaign. Picture: @WoodsideEnergy/Twitter Source: PerthNow

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First home buyers boost starts today

WA Treasurer Troy Buswell, who announced this morning that the new First Home Owners grant increase would start today.

THE boosted $10,000 First Home Buyer grant came into effect today after a snap backflip by the WA Government.

Treasurer Troy Buswell had originally announced the grant increase would start next month - but copped some real estate industry flak after claims it was unfair to buyers who were waiting to sign their building contracts.

As agents gathered at Crown Perth this morning for Australia's largest real estate conference - opened by Mr Buswell - a release was issued simultaneously from the minister's office announcing the grant push-through.

The boost to the First Home Owner Grant - from $7,000 to $10,000 - is welcome news for first home buyers signing a contract to build or purchase a new home and owner-builders who commence laying foundations for the home who will now be eligible for the increased amount.

More WA Real Estate news

First home buyers signing a contract to purchase an established home will be eligible for a $3000 grant.

In his statement, Mr Buswell said the changes were part of the Liberal National Government's commitment to support first home buyers enter the market and would also increase housing stock in Western Australia.

"These important changes not only reflect sound policy to increase our overall housing supply, but the decision will also help create jobs in the housing sector,'' Mr Buswell said.

"Increasing the grant for new homes will provide first home buyers with greater incentive to buy or build a new dwelling rather than purchase an established home. 

"This will help alleviate the pressure placed on the existing housing stock by the States high population growth and drive jobs growth.''

Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania are the only remaining States that still provide a grant to purchasers of established homes.

The FHOG changes are part of the Liberal National Governments housing initiatives outlined in the 2013-14 State Budget.

As the amount of the grant is specified in legislation, the changes were unable to commence until the First Home Owner Grant Act 2000 had been amended.

"Following passage of these amendments by the Legislative Council last week, these amendments have now received Royal Assent,'' Mr Buswell said.

Further information on the changes to the First Home Owner Grant, including the updated application form and lodgement guide, can be found on the Department of Finance website at www.finance.wa.gov.au 

It is estimated that each year around 800 first home buyers will switch from purchasing established homes to new homes in response to the changes.

First home buyers will continue to be exempt from transfer duty on new and established home purchases up to $500,000 (or vacant land purchases up to $300,000), saving up to $17,765.

In 2012-13, first home owners in WA saved $176 million on duty exemptions and concessions.

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Airline defends grand final flights

Some Fremantle fans have forked out large amounts to fly to Melbourne. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

The AFL airline partner has defended its grand final week schedule, with Virgin's boss saying it has done everything possible to help Fremantle fans.

There are reports out of Perth that some Dockers fans are selling grand final tickets because they cannot secure affordable flights to Melbourne.

Others are taking the "planes, trains and automobiles" approach, with stories of chartered planes or flying to Melbourne via stops as far afield as Bali and Singapore.

Some are making the long road trip across the Nullarbor for Saturday's historic grand final against Hawthorn.

It is Fremantle's first grand final since they joined the league in 1995.

"It's the old story of peak period," said Virgin chief executive John Borghetti.

"We've put about six flights on already, in addition to the normal scheduled service from Perth to Melbourne.

"What you'll find is the fares we have are just as competitive as any other carrier that's flying over.

"Every carrier is trying to find seats."

Borghetti was speaking at the announcement of his airline's new five-year deal with the AFL.

He said he felt for fans who are unable to find flights to Melbourne.

"I'd love to be able to put on another 100 planes on the route," he said.

"But we don't have another 100 planes.

"We've moved everything we can, just like every other carrier I'm sure has.

"We've provided 5500 more seats in the market than what normally are the case."

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Record $18.2b WA debt set to balloon

WA Premier Colin Barnett, says current debt levels are high but sustainable. Source: The Sunday Times

STATE debt is at record levels, with the State Government's annual report into the state's finances showing a $18.2 billion debt - nearly five times more than it was when Colin Barnett took over as Premier five years ago.

Premier Barnett told state parliament today WA's debt levels – while high – were sustainable, although he did not want it to go beyond the $20 billion mark.

But state treasury forecasts show state debt will balloon to nearly $28 billion by 2017.

Today's report comes in the face of WA losing its AAA credit rating for the first time in 22 years.

The report showed a $249 million surplus for 2012-13, with the government adamant it will run surplus budgets despite growing debt.

Treasurer Troy Buswell said the annual report indicated WA's economy grew strongly last financial year with state final demand at 4.9 per cent.

"This is the strongest growth of all states,'' Mr Buswell said.

"However, this strong economic growth has not flowed through to revenue, with total general government revenue only growing by two per cent last financial year.

"Apart from the Global Financial Crisis in 2008-09, this is the lowest rate of revenue growth since 1996-97.''

Mr Buswell said the report also revealed the lowest rate of expense growth in 14 years at 3.7 per cent.

He also talked up the government's $7.4 billion infrastructure investment in 2012-13.

Mr Buswell said the surplus was $300 million lower than estimated in the recent state budget.

"Despite the recent loss of the AAA credit rating by Standard and Poor's, current net debt levels remain affordable,'' Mr Buswell said.

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Tributes for rider killed in North West rally

A motorcycle competitor at the Australian Safari. Picture: Sabine Albers (file image) Source: PerthNow

AN off-road motorcycle rider has has died from injuries after a crash in a long-distance off-road rally in Western Australia's north west.

Organisers have tonight named the man as Ivan Erceg. It's believed Mr Erceg was from the Perth suburb of Henley Brook and a regular competitor at the Safari.

Mr Erceg was competing in the Australasian Safari when he had an accident at about 9.30am this morning, about 50km east of Minilya Roadhouse near Carnarvon.

Emergency services were quick to assist the man, but he died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

Australasian Safari event director Justin Hunt paid tribute to Mr Erceg: "We extend our sincerest sympathies to Ivan's family, team members and friends at this time.

"Ivan was one of life's huge characters and was loved by the entire Safari family.

"He was a true competitor who loved his motorbikes and the mateship of competition. He will be sorely missed."

The remainder of today's leg of the Australasian Safari was cancelled but the event will resume tomorrow.

An Australasian Safari spokeswoman said the remainder of the leg had been cancelled and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death had begun.

Organisers had also arranged for a pastor and counsellors to be available at the bivouac, she said.

Police have seized the bike and crash investigators will examine it.

Although the man has not yet been formally identified by police, tributes have been posted on the Australasian Safari's Facebook page.

Kevin O'Bryan wrote: "One of the most respected desert racers Australia wide.''

James Arnold posted: "Condolences... R.I.P. you mad man, will be missed.''

Karlie Conner wrote: "A safari legend who will be missed by all.''

Dozens of tributes have been left on the Australasian Safari Facebook page after a crash that claimed the life of a competitor. Picture: Facebook Source: PerthNow

The WA government sponsors the Australasian Safari through Eventscorp, a division of Tourism WA.

It is an annual off-road rally for four-wheel drives, side by sides, motorbikes and quad bikes.

Considered Australia's toughest motorsport challenge, the event began on September 19 and runs until September 29.

It covers 3000km including Geraldton, the Gascoyne region, the Kennedy Ranges, Carnarvon and Kalbarri.

The extreme motorsport event attracts competitors from countries including China, France, Sweden, UK, Thailand, South Africa, Botswana, US, Italy and Germany.

View Larger Map

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20,000 without power in windy SW

The left lane of Kwinana Freeway, northbound is closed through Como, due to the Swan River being blown onto the roadway. Source: PerthNow

Ellamere Retreat in Maddington, where many homes were damaged by storms overnight. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

Ellamere Retreat in Maddington, where many homes were damaged by storms overnight. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

Ellamere Retreat in Maddington, where many homes were damaged by storms overnight. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

UP to 16,000 homes were left without power after violent 146km/h winds lashed the South West and metropolitan Perth overnight.

The South West bore the brunt of the storm with most of the blackouts in the Manjimup and Bridgetown area, where 5000 homes were blacked out but just over 1200 homes in the city are also without power.

At 11.30am about 13,000 homes were still without power, including a little over 1000 in Perth, and Manjimup-Bridgetown region remains the worst affected area with over 5000 homes affected.

Western Powers states that a fault on the transmission line appears to be the main cause of interruptions but they are unable to say when power will be restored.

A helicopter has been deployed to inspect the transmission line and find the fault.

Up to 16 Western Power crews have been working throughout the night to restore services, but many homes will be without power this morning.

In Perth, the areas hardest hit were Rockingham, Inglewood, Gosnells and Stirling, where homes suffered major structural damage, water damage and roof damage.

The State Emergency Service (SES) responded to 52 calls for help from residents, including 12 from regional WA.

Fallen trees and standing water were causing havoc on the roads, with a fallen tree on the Great Southern Highway approximately 20km north of Katanning, with the Augusta-Margaret River region also affected.

SES units in Busselton, Bunbury, Mandurah and Augusta-Margaret River were also responding to calls.

A record wind gust of 146km/h, believed to be the strongest wind recorded in WA in September, hit Cape Leeuwin about 11pm last night.

The strong cold front and deep low pressure system also dumped heavy rain over the South West, with Collie and Jarrahwood topping the state with 45mm to 9am today, and Mount William 39mm.

In the metro area, Hills areas copped a deluge with Karnet 38mm, Pickering Brook 27mm and Bedfordale 25mm. Perth recorded 10mm, while the airport had 12mm.

At the height of the storm almost 20,000 customers were without power in Perth and the South West.

Almost 1200 homes in Spearwood also have no power as a result of the severe winds. 

A Western Power helicopter was deployed this morning to inspect the main transmission line which services the South West.

It's believed a fault on the line may be responsible for most of the outages in that region.

If you see fallen power lines remember to stay clear and call Western Power on 13 13 51.

Wild 146km/h winds blast South West

Winds peaked at a cyclonic 146km/h just on 11pm, but Cape Leeuwin was blasted by winds in excess of 100km/h for more than three hours till 2.30am.

At 4.30am the coast was still being blasted by 96km/h winds, which gradually eased closer to dawn.

Many parts of Perth were also blasted by wind gusts up to 100km/h with Ocean Reef recording a gust of 100km/h at 11.30pm with repeated winds up to 93km/h through to 2.30am.

Rottnest Island recorded repeated gusts of 102km/h from 11.30pm to 1am. Bickley, in the Hills south-east of Perth,  recorded a wind gust of 95km/h at 11.23pm. 

The SES received 45 calls for help from 6pm last night with the worst of the damage affecting homes in the City of Stirling.

Osborne Park was battered by last night's storm which also damaged a balcony at a home in Inglewood.

There was also damage to homes in the Rockingham and Mandurah area.

The left lane of Kwinana Freeway northbound, through Como, is closed due to the high winds forcing the Swan River onto the roadway.

Traffic lights knocked out

At least three sets of lights have been knocked out by the wild weather:

Spencer Road/Thornlie Station, Thornlie
Spencer Road/Yale Road, Thornlie
Manning Road/Centenary Avenue, Bentley

A diesel spill on the Leach Highway on-ramp on Kwinana Freeway, at Brentwood, is also causing traffic congestion, with emergency services at the scene.

Wettest September on record

Meanwhile Perth is on track for its wettest September on record with 124mm in the gauge this month. The record is 126mm, well above the monthly average of 81mm.    

The SES has received dozens of calls for assistance mainly from people with roof and shed damage.

The storm follows an earlier cold front which hit the South West and city early Sunday which resulted in around 90 calls for help from people it the city and southern WA.

Perth's south-eastern suburbs of Gosnells and Maddington were worst hit with more than 30 calls for assistance.

See the damage in pictures

Send your storm pictures to readerpics@perthnow.com.au

Higher than normal tides may cause flooding of low-lying coastal areas between Perth and Esperance.

CURRENT WARNING
If you live between Bunbury and Israelite Bay you need to get ready now for the bad weather including damaging wind coming tonight and tomorrow morning.

This includes people in Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, Bridgetown, Narrogin, Katanning, Albany and Esperance, and surrounding areas.

This is typical weather for this time of year but could damage homes and make travel dangerous.

WEATHER DETAILS
At 4.56am today the Bureau of Meteorology advised a cold front will move along the south coast late today and early Tuesday morning.

The cold front is likely to cause widespread damaging winds to 100km/h that could result in damage to homes and property.

Damaging winds are likely to develop south of a line Bunbury to Bremer Bay between 8pm Monday and 2am Tuesday and extend to south of a line Bunbury to Narrogin to Israelite Bay between 2am and 8am Tuesday.

Conditions should ease late Tuesday morning.

Residents whose property is badly damaged or flooded should contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500.

PERTH FORECAST .

Monday 23 September
Min 13 Max 21. Shower or two. Windy.

Tuesday 24 September
Min 15 Max 20. Shower or two. Wind easing.

Wednesday 25 September
Min 14 Max 21. Morning shower or two.

Thursday 26 September
Min 11 Max 20. Shower or two. Windy.

Friday 27 September
Min 11 Max 19. Cloudy.

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Toddler takes meth to Perth daycare centre

SHOCK FIND: Child protection officers have been called in after a four-year-old was found with white power - later confirmed methamphetamine - at a daycare centre in Osborne Park today. File picture Source: Supplied

A four-year-old child has allegedly been caught with methamphetamine at a child care centre in Perth.

A FOUR-year-old child has allegedly been caught with methamphetamine at a child care centre in Perth.

Police were called to the Tuart Hill Baby and Child Care Centre today after the youngster was found to be in possession of some white powder.

The substance was tested and initial indications returned a positive result for methamphetamine, police said.

Inquiries are continuing with the family of the youngster and the Department for Child Protection has also been notified.

A spokeswoman for the child care centre declined to comment on the matter.

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Kitesurfer killed at Cottesloe Beach

A kitesurfer has been killed in a freak accident at Cottesloe Beach, with a coronial investigation launched into the death.

FILE PICTURE: A 50-year-old Victoria Park man was killed yesterday while kitesurfing at Cottesloe Beach. Source: Supplied

A KITESURFER has been killed in a freak accident at Cottesloe Beach, with a coronial investigation launched into the death.

The 50-year-old from nearby Victoria Park was kitesurfing about 3.30pm yesterday when he stumbled and was knocked unconscious, and then blown by gusts of wind up a sand dune, through a tree and into a bollard.

Eyewitness accounts posted on a kite-surfing forum describe fellow kitesurfers desperately trying to grab hold of the man before he was blown away by the strong gusts of wind.

Despite extensive efforts from bystanders and a doctor at the scene, the man was pronounced dead at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital a short time later with extensive chest, neck and head injuries.

Police said they were compiling a report for the state coroner.

He is understood to have a three-year-old son.

The Kitesurfing Association of WA offered their condolences to the man's family, and said the whole community was in shock.
 

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'Clueless' Tully evicted from BB

Watch as Tully is the eighth Housemate to be Evicted from the Big Brother House.

HOW is Tully going to put her life back together again?

That is the big question after the 25-year-old social media strategist was evicted from Big Brother tonight.

The controversial housemate was eliminated from the Channel 9 reality show after scoring just 17 per cent of votes to save against Tahan (34 per cent) and Katie & Lucy (49 per cent).

When Tully walked out of the house she was unaware that her on-screen romance with Drew had led to her being dumped by girlfriend Tahlia via Twitter.

Tully also had no notion of the bitter social media backlash aimed her way in recent weeks.

Kruger didn't break the news to Tully about Tahlia. That will reportedly be left to one of the show's expert psychologists.

Tully is the latest Big Brother contestant to get the boot from the house.

Tully defended her rollercoaster emotions on the show and said that she had been working on reducing her negativity.

"I'm glad it (my negativity) was brought to my attention," Tully told Kruger.

"This week I've tried to be more positive.

"I think I did grow and get better than that. Half the time I didn't realise I sounded so negative.

"I'm an emotional person. I was always going to be a cryer. Everything in the house is ten times worse and ten times better (than real life)."

Big Brother evictee Tully has no idea about the public backlash against her.

Tully also indicated that she doesn't have any serious romantic inklings for Drew.

"At times I was concerned about that (relationship with Drew) but at the end of the day he made my time in the house what it was.

"Drew was my house husband. He was one of the only people that would put up with my constant wining and tears and tantrums. He was a huge support for me.

"I want him to do really well and he's going to make someone very lucky one day.

"(Saying I love you) is not a big deal to me. I said that to Tahan first week in the house. I'm a very affectionate person, a very touchy-feely person."

Tully took her eviction on the chin.

"It's only a game, Sonia," she said.

The producers of Big Brother put all evicted housemates through a thorough psychological de-brief to ensure they are ready for life outside the house.

Tully is yet to learn that an "I hate Tully from Big Brother" Facebook page has more than 63,000 likes and posts such as "Knowing that Tully could possibly leave tonight has made Monday that much better!"

Twitter went into hyperdrive after Tully was evicted.

Comments included: "Bye Bye Tully. Boy are you in for a relationship surprise" and "when Tully finds out she has been dumped prepare for the crying."

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