Sports party set for shock Senate win

The Australian Sports Party's Wayne Dropulich is set to pinch a Senate seat in a shock poll result. Source: The Courier-Mail

LIKE all good sportsmen, potential West Australian senator Wayne Dropulich is refusing to celebrate a win until he hears the final siren.

In a shock outcome, the Australian Sports Party is predicted to win a place in the senate out of WA, despite polling just 0.22 per cent of the initial vote as counting continues.

The micro-party is set to benefit from a slew of preferences to potentially deliver Mr Dropulich into a seat, on the back of a campaign championing a growth of grassroots sport and a push for more active children.

"We are in with a good shot for a first-time party,'' Mr Dropulich said.

"But it is just a case of wait and see for now. We are happy with the position and hopeful it continues.''

Mr Dropulich, a former Australian gridiron representative player who still plays for a seniors team, said he would have a healthy message to take to Canberra if given the chance.

"It is about giving people the opportunity to enjoy and participate in grassroots sport and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities,'' he said.

And in a diplomatic answer, Mr Dropulich refused to reveal his AFL preferences in the football-mad state.

But he did say he had been delighted to see the Fremantle Dockers prevail against Geelong in the AFL preliminary final on election day.

"I was very pleased to see them win - it is great for the state.''

Status quo in WA, despite some new voices

Status quo was the election headline in Western Australia - but there will still be several new voices on the state's political stage.

Despite Labor's primary vote slumping to a miserable 29 per cent in WA, the party looked set to retain their three WA legislative seats, with former frontbenchers Gary Gray and Melissa Parke hanging on, and Alannah MacTiernan finally getting to Canberra.

But major damage was still done to WA Labor, with the ousted government poised to lose one of their Senate seats and a greater swing away from Labor in the west than in Queensland.

According to deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop and WA Premier Colin Barnett, that shows the apparent contempt in which the Labor party is held in Perth and beyond.

Barnett wants better deal for WA

Only one federal WA seat looked likely to change hands, with Liberal candidate Rick Wilson holding a slight lead in O'Connor against Nationals hopeful Chub Witham.

And Ms MacTiernan, a former high-profile state Labor minister, said the "Greek tragedy'' of the ALP's leadership battle outweighed any policy positives, but a strong Labor voice was still possible.

"I think that we can form a very credible opposition and rebuild for the future,'' Ms MacTiernan said.

Christian Porter, a former state rival of Ms MacTiernan, was elevated to the federal ranks in Pearce, despite a slight awing away from the Liberals in his seat.

And in time he will hope to join the four WA MPs tipped for ministerial positions - Ms Bishop, Stirling MP Michael Keenan and senators David Johnston and Mathias Cormann.

Disappointment for the Nationals echoed across the state, with the party failing to win Durack, and the bid for a Senate seat on a knife edge - even with former AFL star David Wirrpanda in the ranks.

Despite public goodwill, Wirrpanda failed to generate the popularity he enjoyed as a premiership player for West Coast, with the Nationals' Senate vote in WA languishing behind the Palmer United Party late with counting continuing.

And Labor's decision to put former union stalwart Joe Bullock on top of their senate ticket in WA looks to have cost Senator Louise Pratt her job.

21.52 | 0 komentar | Read More

'WA economy to flourish', vows Bishop

Julie Bishop, with supporters and friends including WA Premier Colin Barnett, at a victory celebration breakfast at Cottesloe Beach in Perth. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

DEPUTY Liberal leader Julie Bishop is looking forward to 'getting down to work straight away' after the Coalition won an 'emphatic' victory in the Federal Election overnight.

At her post-election breakfast in Cottesloe this morning, Ms Bishop said she was looking forward to being foreign minister.

"It's one of the greatest honours I can imagine," she said.

"I've had a number of phone calls overnight from representatives of major trading partners and allies and there's been a great deal of warmth in the conversations that I've had with a number of our friends.

"I would hope to make my first visits to our neighbours in the region - New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Singapore."

WA Liberals rejoice in national power play

Of the 77 per cent of votes counted, the coalition holds 88 seats in Parliament against the Labor party's 53.

In WA, Liberal candidate won all but three of the 15 seats, prompting Ms Bishop to declare it was an 'emphatic victory' in the state.

"In WA the primary vote of Labor is now 29 per cent that is the lowest of any state or territory," she said.

"I don't think Labor would find much joy in the result in WA.

"The Liberal primary vote is about 51 per cent and that's an emphatic win in WA."

Barnett wants better deal for WA

Ms Bishop denied Premier Colin Barnett's recent budget cuts had affected West Australians decisions at the polls.

"I believe that the WA people know that the Barnett Government have had some tough budget decisions to make," she said.

"But they will be relieved to know that federally there is a Government that will support Western Australia.

"We will repeal the carbon tax, mining tax, we will get rid of red tape, we will embrace free trade agreements. We will be the sort of government that will make the West Australian economy flourish.

Ms Bishop will fly to Canberra this afternoon to begin briefings with the Coalition and set a plan in place.

"My Abbott and I have spoken this morning and we will be getting down to work straight away," she said.

"We intend to be a purposeful Government. We intend to bring stability and certainty and competence to the heart of Government."

21.52 | 0 komentar | Read More

Barnett wants better deal for WA

WA Premier Colin Barnett, pictured in Cottesloe this morning, says he expects a better deal for WA. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

WEST Australian Premier Colin Barnett is expecting a better deal for his state and a better reception for himself as the Tony Abbott-led Liberal government is installed into Canberra.

Celebrating with federal deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop in the leafy Perth suburb of Cottesloe, Mr Barnett said Mr Abbott's ascension would also be great news for Australia's international trading partners.

And Mr Barnett also dismissed the argument that dissatisfaction with his government may be why federal Liberal candidates failed to claim any of the Labor seats in the state.

Mr Barnett said he would contact Mr Abbott this week to open a line of communication he hoped would prove fruitful.

"I have got no doubt Tony Abbott will prove to be a very good PM, and for WA it will also be good,'' he told reporters on Sunday.

"There is no doubt it will restore international confidence particularly in the mining industry.

"I think the Labor governments have let this state down badly. There has almost been a patronising attitude to WA.''

As counting stood today, the Liberals were holding their federal seats in WA.

They had a chance of winning O'Connor from the Nationals, as well as three Senate places.

The result diluted talk of a protest vote against his unpopular moves to cut education budgets in recent weeks, Mr Barnett said.

"No one's blaming me, no one has said anything to me at all,'' Mr Barnett said.

"We won a big victory in (the state election in) March, we won a big victory today - I think WA is doing pretty well.''

The coalition win might not help Mr Barnett secure federal funding he had wanted for rail projects, given Mr Abbott favours road over rail funding.

But Mr Barnett praised Mr Abbott's promised removal of the mining and carbon taxes.

"Tony Abbott absolutely has a clear mandate to repeal those taxes,'' Mr Barnett said.

"If people in parliament oppose that they are failing in their responsibility as MPs.''

21.52 | 0 komentar | Read More

Two on cemetery murder charges

Baldivis woman Diana Matthews, whose body was found in a lake at the Rockingham Regional Memorial Park on April 29, 2011. Source: PerthNow

Friends and family hold a memorial for Baldivis woman Diana Matthews whose body was found in a lake at the Rockingham Regional Memorial Park on April 29, 2011 Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

POLICE have charged two people with murder over the death of Baldivis woman Diana Matthews, whose body was found at a Rockingham cemetery in 2011.

Major Crime Detectives made an arrest on Thursday last week following a two-year investigation.

Ms Matthews' body was discovered half-submerged in a man-made lake at Rockingham Regional Memorial Park.

She was last seen alive walking from her Baldivis home to a park on Tamworth Blvd at about 8pm.

Earlier that evening, she was seen at the Caltex service station on Baldivis Rd.

At 11.30pm, less than four hours later, passers-by found the 46-year-old's body at the cemetery.

Detectives have not revealed how Ms Matthews died.

Police have charged a 33-year-old woman with murder.

The accused woman was remanded in custody after appearing in the Perth Magistrates Court yesterday.

She will next appear in the Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on September 25.

This morning, police said a 36-year-old man had also been charged with murder and he will appear in the Perth Magistrates Court tomorrow.

A 32-year-old woman who had been assisting police with their inquiry has been released without charge.

21.52 | 0 komentar | Read More

Woman faces cemetery murder charge

Baldivis woman Diana Matthews, whose body was found in a lake at the Rockingham Regional Memorial Park on April 29, 2011. Source: PerthNow

Friends and family hold a memorial for Baldivis woman Diana Matthews whose body was found in a lake at the Rockingham Regional Memorial Park on April 29, 2011 Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

POLICE have charged a woman with murder over the death of Baldivis woman Diana Matthews, whose body was found at a Rockingham cemetery in 2011.

Major Crime Detectives made the arrest on Thursday this week following a two-year investigation.

Ms Matthews' body was discovered half-submerged in a man-made lake at Rockingham Regional Memorial Park.

She was last seen alive walking from her Baldivis home to a park on Tamworth Blvd at about 8pm.

Earlier that evening, she was seen at the Caltex service station on Baldivis Rd.

At 11.30pm, less than four hours later, passers-by found the 46-year-old's body at the cemetery.
Detectives have not revealed how Ms Matthews died.

Police have charged a 33-year-old woman with murder.

The accused woman was remanded in custody after appearing in the Perth Magistrates Court this morning.

She will next appear in the Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on September 25.

A 36 year-old-man and a 32-year-old woman are currently in custody, assisting Major Crime Squad detectives with their investigation.
 

21.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

Palmer claims AEC swaying WA voters

Clive Palmer with wife Anna at the Mt Coolum Day Care centre polling booth. Pic Megan Slade. Source: PerthNow

UNITED WE STAND: A Clive Palmer United Party representative hands out how-to-vote cards at the Cottesloe Civic Centre today. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Source: PerthNow

CLIVE Palmer has accused the Australian Electoral Commission of influencing WA voters, and has flagged a possible High Court challenge.

Mr Palmer says the AEC is "openly predicting'' the results of the election, and possibly influencing the election results in Western Australia and in South Australia, where booths are open after east coast venues have closed.

He said the AEC would be providing booths with an envelope in which two parties' names would be.

"These parties have been predetermined by an officer of the AEC and will be based on the 2010 election results,'' he said in the Sunshine Coast seat of Fairfax, where he is running.

"These results will be shown as the two party result and will be the basis for preference counting.''

He said the parties would be flashed on a screen at the AEC.

"Neither of these parties may have finished first or second in the ballet,'' he said.

"For sure our party is not going to be in the secret envelope.

"As a result of this, as voters go to the polls in Western Australia, they may assume a particular result and they may have the media calling the election based on AEC data and information which is wrong and incorrect.

"We don't think the AEC should be in that game.''

 Mr Palmer said the AEC was being prejudicial against his party, and other smaller parties.

"This is part of the whole story in Australia, where everyone assumes that this election is going to be fought between the two parties,'' the Palmer United Party leader said.

"All the media, all the debate, everything is only about two different alternatives.''

Mr Palmer said the AEC should only be providing information ``that is accurate, and correct''.

"If the agency continues to do this ... we will be challenging the AEC and the result of the election outcome in Western Australia in the High Court after the election, to seek that it be void,'' he told reporters.

Katter's Australian Party leader Bob Katter told the Seven Network he agreed the electoral system was unfair for smaller parties like his.

He said the AEC had done nothing to counter the LNP lie that a vote for the Katter party was a vote for Labor.
"The AEC did nothing about it - nothing whatsoever,'' Mr Katter told Seven.

"I can tell you people in my electorate actually believed it.''

What do you think? Did it sway your vote? Comment now

21.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lyon bristles at target claims

Coach Ross Lyon thrilled with the teams performance in overcoming Geelong and defends Zac Dawson for some marginal free kicks given away

Ross Lyon and Zac Dawson after the win.

FIRED-UP Fremantle coach Ross Lyon angrily defended Zac Dawson as his Dockers threw the AFL premiership race wide open.

While many had Hawthorn and Geelong pencilled in for the flag decider, the physical and well-drilled Dockers thumbed their nose at convention, inflicting just the Cats' second loss in 45 matches over six years at their home ground.

The stunning 15-point win wound Fremantle into a $4 second favourite for the flag by pitching the arch rival Hawks and Cats into the same half of the draw and giving the WA team its first home preliminary final.

Dockers stun cats in boilover

But while Lyon urged his team to "stay incredibly focused", he bristled at suggestions he'd charged Dawson - and others - with the task to intimidate the Cats physically.

Dawson gave away a free-kick and was booked for a clash with Geelong forward James Podsiadly before the opening siren.

A tangle with Geelong forward James Podsiadly has left Dawson's fate with the match review committee

The pair jostled several times during the match and the former Saint was also involved in a clash with Geelong skipper Joel Selwood that could come under scrutiny.

But Lyon stood by his full-back, saying the Cats had contributed their fair share to the physical clash.

"(That's) out of line because what I saw was some Docker players go down off the ball," he said.

"It is silly question – we played within the rules. Just go to the behind-the-goals footage and have a look, you'll see what comes out.

"I reviewed them (as) marginal free-kicks at best (with) some body work.

"I just happen to be the coach of the team. I have behind-the-goal vision, I have broadcast vision that I replay and I saw them and they were incredibly marginal, marginal free-kicks.

"That is OK if they get paid, but to then focus on them is really disappointing in the context of the effort we have delivered."

The Dockers will also sweat on a clash, one of several, between gun forward Chris Mayne and Geelong's Steve Johnson, who was left lying on the ground after intitial contact between the pair propelled the Cat into Geelong runner Nigel Lappin.

Lyon was "really pleased for the players that they created an opportunity" after admitting to a mistake in sending chief tagger Ryan Crowley to Mathew Stokes while Johnson threatened to tear apart the game early.

"It was a powerful response in face of a great challenge by the team. We want to be `anywhere-anytime' team and this is a significant challenge and they got it done today."

Lyon walked away from the "garbage" of the debate about playing a final in Geelong for the first time since the 19th century, and also said resting half his team in Round 23 had likely been beneficial.

"It's hard to measure, but the analogy I used is I watched Hawthorn win last night and (then) everyone espouses that they have got a week off to freshen up for a preliminary final, so in theory it is the same model," he said.

"You would not want to be doing it every week, but after 22 home-and-away rounds, it clearly helped."

Lyon said the decision to play key defender Luke McPharlin for the first time in two months after a Round 15 calf injury had been "bold and strong".

Utility Nick Suban was subbed off with an ankle injury, but was walking around without discomfort in the rooms afterwards.

Lyon said Freo had "some sore boys that had plenty of whacks ... and there was plenty of on and off ball things that will probably be looked at I would suggest".

He said big man Aaron Sandilands played his best game of an injury-cruelled season.

"I thought he was significant when he went forward ... a real threat.

"They threw some challenges at him on spread, but we're really confident we can handle that.

"A few of the things they were doing we certainly adjusted to and it was needed ... and then (he and Zac Clarke) were able to play to their strengths, rather than having their strengths taken off them and chasing around opposition ruckmen."

21.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

Live coverage: Labor salvages three WA seats

Alannah MacTiernan celebrates her win with grandchildren Atlas (4) and Umi (7) Schapper. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

Fremantle's Melissa Parke celebrates her impending win. Picture: Sean Middleton Source: PerthNow

Ken Wyatt watches the count with his supporters. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

Alannah MacTiernan, Julie Bishop and David Wirrpanda at the polling booths today. Source: PerthNow

FOLLOW PerthNow's live election coverage from a WA angle, with seat by seat analysis and rolling updates from around the state.

Perth | Hasluck | Brand | Swan | Fremantle | Curtin | Other seats

WA will have one of its strongest ever representations of MPs in Federal Government, with 12 Lower House Liberal and National Party candidates to be part of a Tony Abbott-led Coalition.

Labor had another night to forget, but the result could have been worse - it held onto its three seats: Perth, Fremantle and Brand.

As expected, Alannah MacTiernan won Perth, but the party's defeat meant she was headed to the opposition benches.

Former Resources Minister Gary Gray claimed victory in Brand last night, with a swing against him (after preferences) of less than 2 per cent, enough for him to hang on.

It was a devastating result for Liberal candidate Donna Gordin, who was hopeful of victory after being narrowly defeated in the seat three years ago.

WA Labor senator Louise Pratt, who was fighting for her political career, said Labor had only itself to blame for the defeat.

"We governed the country very well, but not ourselves well," she said. "I think we need to take collective responsibility for that."

Senior Liberal sources said the Coalition victory would see at least four WA Liberals rewarded with ministries - Curtin MP Julie Bishop, Stirling MP Michael Keenan and senators David Johnston and Mathias Cormann.

Statewide wrap - see below for key individual seats

 
Labor's star candidate Alannah MacTiernan has likened Labor's leadership woes to a "Greek tragedy", blaming it on the election loss.

Shortly after claiming victory in retiring Defence Minister Stephen Smith's seat of Perth, Ms MacTiernan said Anthony Albanese or Mark Butler were best placed to take on the Labor leadership in opposition.

"We've gone through something that I guess we had to go through and I am really energised by the amount of enthusiasm out there," she said.

Alannah MacTiernan addresses a vocal crowd at the North Perth Town Hall. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

"I'm so glad that we've returned all three seats in WA and that the loss hasn't been as great as has been predicted around Australia.

"I think we're going to form a very credible opposition and rebuild for the future."

Full Perth wrap

  HASLUCK
KEN Wyatt says he is prepared to embrace a bigger role if Tony Abbott hands him one.

Mr Wyatt defeated Labor's Adrian Evans in the marginal seat, with a healthy swing to the Liberals of 4.2 per cent.

He won Hasluck by a 0.6 per cent slither in 2010.

Mr Wyatt is set to create history -  he'd be the first sitting member to retain Hasluck since the electorate was created in 2001.

Ken Wyatt watches the count with his supporters. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

Mr Wyatt said he appreciated the opportunity to work for his electorate.

"I really want to be back here to continue the work that I've been doing and building that strong community ethos," the history-maker said.

Full Hasluck wrap

  BRAND
FORMER Rudd Labor government minister Gary Gray has claimed the seat of Brand.

Mr Gray said at a time when the ALP had been under stress nationally, there had been a swing to the party in the electorate which covers Rockingham, Kwinana and some parts of Mandurah.

With more than half the votes counted, there was a 2.7 per cent swing to Labor after preferences. Mr Gray's primary vote was up 0.5 per cent.

"We've had a very strong result in Brand," Mr Gray said, shortly after 8pm.

Federal MP Gary Gray addresses the crowd at his function. Picture: Matthew Poon Source: PerthNow

"We've got more counting yet to do but it appears that I've held the seat and it appears that my vote has increased which is very heartening after a long and arduous campaign that concluded on the strong issues for Labor and the issues that really do concern Rockingham, Kwinana and Mandurah.

"That's about education, it's about health care and it's about infrastructure.

"I'm pleased to be re-elected for another three year term."

Full Brand wrap

  SWAN
STEVE Irons has tightened his grip on Swan.

With half the votes counted, Mr Irons' vote after preferences was up 5.6 per cent.

Mr Irons said the results were "trending the right way".

He said the Coalition would be a "responsible, adult government".

"Tony will make a great Prime Minister."

Mr Irons won the seat in 2007, beating Kim Wilkie by just 164 votes. He was a single man at the time.

Steve Irons and wife Cheryle at the Amherst Street Hockey Pavilion in South Perth. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow

He said the support of his "dynamo" wife had made a "helluva difference" to his political and personal life.

"It's hard to put into words, but I guess it has completed my life," he said. "We're part of a team now."

Full Swan wrap

  FREMANTLE
MELISSA Parke's victory in the seat of Fremantle is bittersweet, with the Labor MP losing her new place on the frontbench.

Parke told supporters at a Labor function tonight that: "we won the battle in Fremantle but we lost the war".

As Kevin Rudd conceded defeat, the former UN lawyer said goodbye to the international development portfolio she was handed just two months ago when Rudd returned to the leadership.

Ms Parke, who retained her seat with 54.2 per cent of the votes at 10pm, told PerthNow the Federal Labor party had "a lot to be proud of".

Fremantle's Melissa Parke celebrates her impending win. Picture: Sean Middleton Source: PerthNow

"It was not the wipeout that was predicted, so I think we've done really well, given what really was relentless negativity, not just in this campaign but since we formed minority government in 2010," she said.

"We now have a very important role to be an intelligent and conscientious opposition."

Full Fremantle wrap

  CURTIN
JULIE Bishop has promised a new era of WA-Canberra co-operation under Abbott government.

"Can WA expect a better deal? Absolutely. I'm a West Australian first," Ms Bishop declared.

Dressed in bright royal blue, the Foreign Affairs minister-in-waiting said she was proud to increase her margin - with a 1.4 per cent swing  to 67.6 per cent.

An A-list of political identities converged on the Subiaco community centre where the Bishop camp were not doing things by halves - a big marquee, flowing drinks, three TV flatscreens and maybe 300 or more helium-filled blue balloons.

Julie Bishop celebrates with WA Premier Colin Barnett. Picture: Ross Swanborough Source: PerthNow

Premier Colin Barnett and wife Lyn were happy to quaff red wine in celebratory mood.

"When the party was at its darkest moment, Julie held the team together," Mr Barnett said.

Full Curtin wrap

   OTHER WA SEATS
THE National Party looks like retaining O'Connor after winning the seat three years ago.

Early polling indicated Chub Witham would win the seat, despite a close contest with Liberal candidate Rick Wilson.

Retiring National MHR Tony Crook won O'Connor from Wilson Tuckey in 2010.

In Durack, Melissa Price is poised to retain the seat for the Liberals, following the retirement of Barry Haase.

Meanwhile, Member for Pearce Judi Moylan said she wished Christian Porter the best of luck in the safe Liberal seat.

She said she "never had any doubt" that he was the fit candidate for the seat, which she had held for 20 years.

"It's very nice for me as the retiring member to have such a candidate take over," Mrs Moylan said.

"I think he's going to make a fantastic member and will hopefully increase the margin."

Wrap of remaining WA seats

21.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fuming ratepayer rams council car

This forklift driver didn't want the Gosnell Shire Council parking on their farmland. So he decided to remove them.

Police were called in after fuming forklift driver lifts Gosnells council car off property.

AN IRATE ratepayer has taken out his anger on the City of Gosnells by picking up a council car with a forklift and moving it - with two staff inside.

His "moment of madness" was captured on video and posted on LiveLeak early today - instantly attracting nearly 50,000 views.

The video was taken on Tuesday, September 3, on a property in Kenwick where owners Graham and Sandra Palmer and the City of Gosnells have been in a dispute over the use of the land since December 2010.

The Palmers were successfully prosecuted by the City over their unapproved developments, fined $50,000 and ordered to pay $10,000 in court costs, but are now appealing the decision in the Supreme Court.

The video begins with the two council workers getting out of a silver four-wheel-drive parked on a gravel driveway near a truck and shipping container. The City of Gosnells claims that moments earlier, the two staffers were in the car when it was first elevated from the ground.

The video shows a yellow forklift approaching and lifting the car and moving it backwards away from a truck. A council worker quickly moves out of the way.

A man's voice is heard saying "You're joking . . . I got it mate" while in the background another person is heard shouting "Get off or I'll call the police".

The forklift is then seen carrying the four-wheel-drive down a driveway while it's former occupants stand dumbfounded.

City of Gosnells chief executive officer Ian Cowie told PerthNow the City's compliance officers and rangers visited the property after receiving 13 complaints about activities occurring on the land.

Mr Cowie said the land was zoned rural and up to eight commercial or industrial businesses could be operating on the Kenwick lot.

"These activities are prohibited on rural properties," Mr  Cowie said.

"Complaints led to the City Officers visiting the property. On the day of this incident, they had been invited on to the property by one of the business operators."

Mr Cowie said after City officers had talked to the business operator, they were about to leave when they were approached by Mrs Palmer, and asked to leave. 

A city of Gosnells council car is removed by forklift from a property in Kenwick. Source: PerthNow

Mr Cowie claimed Mr Palmer prevented his officers from leaving.

The council boss told PerthNow: "The officers agreed to leave but were prevented from doing so by Mr Palmer who blocked their exit by ramming the vehicle and elevating it with his fork lift.

"Two staff were in the vehicle when it was first elevated from the ground. It appears that the staff did not suffer any serious injury."

Mr Cowie said the incident had been reported to WA police and he understood it was being investigated.

In February 2012, the City of Gosnells voted to proceed with legal action against the Palmers and the activity on the Kenwick property after years of non-compliance with zoning and planning permits. The city was first made aware of unauthorised works on the property in December 2010.

Throughout 2011, the city was aware of works continuing with no planning or development applications lodged.

In council minutes from February 2012, it was noted Mr Palmer's defence for the zoning breaches was that the City was "not constitutional".

"The City commenced prosecution and the conviction resulted in a $50,000 fine against the property owner, plus $10,000 legal fees," Mr Cowie said.

"The property owner appealed this conviction with the appeal now to be heard in the Supreme Court."

Attempts have been made to contact Mr and Mrs Palmer.

21.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

James and Erica Packer's shock divorce

James and Erica Packer enjoy a kiss at the 2012 Melbourne Cup. Source: News Limited

BILLIONAIRE James Packer and his wife Erica have divorced after six years of marriage.

The couple, who have three young children, released a statement today, announcing the shock split.

"It is with great sadness that Erica and James Packer announce their separation,'' the statement said.

"We remain deeply close friends and incredibly proud parents and our children are our priority going forward."

James and Erica Packer have announced their divorce. Source: News Limited

The couple married on the romantic French Rivera in June 2007 in a glittering $6 million affair before Hollywood celebrities, sports stars and business moguls.

They have three children, Indigo, 5, Jackson, 3, and Emmanuelle, who turns one later this month.

James and Erica Packer in the gardens of the Hotel Du Cap Eden Rock, in the French Riviera, on their wedding day. Source: News Limited

"It's incredibly sad but these things do happen unfortunately,'' one friend said.

The divorce comes only two months after Mr Packer, Australia's third richest person with an estimated personal fortune of $6 billion, achieved his crowning glory as a businessman, winning a government licence to build a $1.5 billion casino-hotel resort at Sydney's Barangaroo.

Erica Packer takes her three children Indigo, Jackson and Emmanuelle trick or treating on halloween last year. Picture: MEDIA MODE Source: Supplied

Mr Packer, 45, began dating the Gunnedah-born beauty in 2003 and encouraged her to chase her dream of recording pop albums.

After weathering together the death of Mr Packer's larger-than-life father, Kerry Packer, on Boxing Day 2005, the couple married in 2007.

The recently moved into a new $50 million mansion in Sydney's Vaucluse.

James Packer's Vaucluse home. Source: News Limited

21.51 | 0 komentar | Read More