Firefighters battle Samson blaze

FIRE THREAT: The Department of Fire and Emergency Services have issued a bushfire advice for the fire that was reported at 4.30pm Source: News Limited

RESIDENTS in the City of Fremantle are being warned to stay alert after a fire erupted in Sir Frederick Samson Memorial Reserve.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services have issued a bushfire advice for the fire that was reported at 4.30pm.

People in an area bounded by South Street, North Lake Road, Winterfold Road and Stock Road in Samson are being told to watch for signs of a bushfire, close doors and windows and turn off evaporative airconditioning.

At 6.40pm, the fire was burning in Sir Frederick Samson Memorial Reserve between Sellenger Avenue and McCombe Avenue.

Some roads may be closed as fire crews are on the scene.

Aircraft have been sent to assist ground crews.

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Perth houses hit record $535,000

REIWA President David Airey says sales turnover in WA in October and November has lifted Perth's median house price to $535,000. Source: News Limited

PERTH'S median house price has hit a record $535,000 while the rental market remains in favour of tenants.

Real Estate Institute of WA (REIWA) president David Airey says sales turnover lifted during October and November, following a slump in September, and surpassing the June peak of $525,000.

``The quarterly median for the three months to November was up by almost four per cent and due mainly to the composition of sales during this period after strong first-homebuyer activity pulled the median house price down to $510,000 in the September quarter,'' he said.

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``While first-homebuyer activity is still very evident, there was a solid increase in sales within a 10km radius of the CBD and a softening of activity in outer areas, particularly along the coastal sub-regions north and south of the city.

``This shift in sales composition towards more expensive properties selling pulled the median upwards.''

Data also showed that in some coastal sub regions - such as parts of Wanneroo, Joondalup and Rockingham - there was a slight weakening of sales in November, but it was accompanied by a drop in listings, Mr Airey said.

The number of properties on the market overall continues to recover from below average levels over the past year to reach a peak for this year of 8656 dwellings and 1199 land lots for sale.

Mr Airey said the rental market was still in favour of tenants, with the number of available rentals growing and median rents coming down again.

The median rent in the metropolitan area dropped by just over two per cent over the past three months to $460 - house rents at $470 a week, and units and apartments at $450 a week.

Vacancy remains above average at about 3.2 per cent.

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WA woman in $89m Thalidomide claim

Thalidomide victim, WA artist Monica McGhie outside the Victorian Supreme Court. Source: News Limited

MONICA McGhie's mother didn't even know she was pregnant when she hurt her hand and was given thalidomide to ease the pain.

Months later her daughter was born without arms and legs and she was told the baby would not survive.

The baby was placed in a corner to die.

But she let out a healthy cry and her mother took her home.

Fifty years on, Monica McGhie has her own art studio, has been scuba diving and is an advocate for people with disabilities.

Thalidomide victims Lynette Rowe and WA artist Monica McGhie, rear, outside the Victorian Supreme Court.

She is among more than 100 Australian and New Zealand thalidomide victims to receive compensation from drug company Diageo.

Ms McGhie travelled from Perth to be with her friend Lynette Rowe as lawyer Peter Gordon announced an $89 million settlement with the drug's distributors Diageo in Melbourne today.

``I nearly cried,'' she told reporters.

``I never thought this day would come.''

Ms McGhie said the money will make her life a lot easier and help her stay healthy.

``Life has been a daily struggle for 50 years.

``This settlement will not take that hardship away but it means I can look to the future with more confidence, knowing I can afford the support and care I need.''

She also hopes she may be able to buy a home and take her 86-year-old mother on a cruise.

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Fatal crash constable quits during investigation

Mother Sharon D'Ercole died from multiple injuries when the former officer's car struck her vehicle as he drove through a red light in pursuit of a stolen Audi. Source: News Limited

A CONSTABLE acquitted over a fatal crash that killed Perth mother Sharon D'Ercole during a pursuit has quit the force before the completion of an internal investigation.

Gareth Hopley, 29, was found not guilty by a jury last month of dangerous driving causing the death of Sharon Ann D'Ercole in April last year.

Mrs D'Ercole, 50, died from multiple injuries when the former officer's car struck her vehicle as he drove through a red light in pursuit of a stolen Audi.

A spokeswoman for Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan said he accepted Mr Hopley's letter of resignation last week.

DEVASTATED: Sharon D'Ercole's husband, Ron D'Ercole, with his lawyer Terry Dobson (centre) and forensic crash consultant Bob Davey at the site at the intersection of Morley Drive and Alexander Drive where Sharon was killed in a police pursuit.

"At the time of his resignation, Mr Hopley remained stood down from operational duty pending the outcome of an internal investigation into his conduct,'' she said.

"That investigation has now ceased.''

Mr Hopley previously expressed his condolences to the D'Ercole family in a statement after his acquittal.

NOT GUILTY: Constable Gareth Hopley pictured after being charged by Major Crash and Internal Affairs investigators after the fatal accident.

"This tragic accident will inevitably remain in the hearts and minds of everyone involved forever, myself included,'' he said.

"Not a day goes by that I am not reminded of that fateful day in some form or another.''

In the trial, Mr Hopley denied having ``tunnel vision'' during the chase and testified that he believed Ms D'Ercole was slowing down for him when he hit her.

His lights and sirens were activated at the time, the court heard.

Mr Hopley was emotional while giving evidence as he recounted seeing the injured woman.

He also said his passenger was like a brother to him and he would do anything to keep him and the public safe.

It was not the first time Mr Hopley was involved in a fatal police pursuit.

He was a passenger in a 2008 chase involving unlicensed motorcyclist Matthew Miller, who sped away from police, crashed and died from his injuries.

Mr Hopley was not charged over that incident.

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Register for 'high risk' e-drivers

Mitchell Walsh-McDonald leaves Perth Magistrates Court in August. The review into the EDL system was sparked after The Sunday Times revealed the Dot didn't oppose an e-licence application from him last year. Source: News Limited

A NEW register will be set up to vet "high risk" drivers applying for extraordinary licences to curb the number of dangerous motorists getting back on our roads.

The high risk applications would be referred to the State Solicitors Office so the state's top lawyers could argue against their case.

The tough new approach comes after The Sunday Times revealed the Department of Transport did not do enough to stop a notorious driver, whose reckless actions behind the wheel killed a young girl, from successfully applying for an E-Licence.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell ordered a review after these revelations.

A DoT memo obtained by The Sunday Times shows the review found a litany of problems with how E-Licences were granted, including:

- Important documents, like character references from doctors and employers, are not made available to Dot prosecutors until moments before court proceedings.

- There are "major inconsistencies" with regards to how long offenders must wait before applying for an EDL were also identified. For example, a person convicted of dangerous driving causing death can apply within 21 days yet a person charged with drink driving must wait one month.

- Regional courts are not routinely updating the DoT on the success of applications.

The review made several recommendations, including the new high risk register and for DoT prosecutors be mentored and coached by more experienced lawyers.

It comes as latest figures show 71 per cent of all E-Licence applications lodged in WA this year have been approved - a slight increase from the 69 per cent approved in 2012.

The Sunday Times revealed in August that the DoT didn't oppose an E-Licence application by serial drink-driver Mitchell Walsh-McDonald last year.

Walsh-McDonald was granted the licence despite a history that included knocking down and killing schoolgirl Jess Meehan 10 years ago. He was acquitted of a charge of dangerous driving causing Jess Meehan's death but admitted driving under the influence and driving without a licence.

The department initially claimed it opposed his application last year. But an investigation by The Sunday Times found the department gave the court reasons why it should be granted.

As a result Walsh-McDonald was able to get back behind the wheel until he was caught drink-driving again, his seventh offence. Four months ago he pleaded guilty to drink-driving, talking on his mobile phone while driving and breaching two conditions of his licence.

A DoT spokeswoman said this week: "The purpose of DoT's internal vetting process is to identify applications that could be deemed high risk to the public, based on consideration of the applicant's driving record and the circumstances of the case."

The spokeswoman said the DoT would refer applications to the SSO as necessary, but the "majority" of applications would still be processed "as routine business".

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Hayley mum shocked by rape connection

The sister of Hayley Dodd who vanished 14 years ago says her family needs closure.

Hayley Dodd's mother Margaret pictured in Mandurah. PICTURE: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Limited

THE mother of missing teenager Hayley Dodd says she had no idea the Badgingarra property being searched for her daughter's body was once owned by a convicted rapist.

Margaret Dodd said the first she heard about the connection was through the media on Friday.

It is the latest twist in the Mandurah mother's 14 year fight for answers over her daughter's disappearance.

Yesterday, on what should have been Hayley's 32nd birthday, Ms Dodd issued a new plea for anyone involved in her daughter's disappearance to come forward.

She thanked police for carrying out a fresh search of the Badgingarra property, 220km north of Perth.

The property in less than 1km from where 17-year-old Hayley vanished in 1999.

"I don't know who police think is responsible, but they have got significant information that has made that place of interest," Mrs Dodd told The Sunday Times.

"If it is someone who used to live at that property, I would say, 'C'mon, it's been long enough now. Tell us where Hayley is. We just want her home. It would mean absolutely everything to the whole family'."

WA Police returned to Badgingarra on Wednesday to search a rural property once owned by 57-year-old Francis John Wark.

Wark is serving a 12-year jail term for the abduction and rape of a 32-year-old woman in North Queensland in 2007.

Court documents reveal Wark offered the woman a lift after seeing her walking along a north Queensland highway.

He then took her to his house, where he hit her over the head twice with a piece of wood before sexually assaulting her for several hours.

The ordeal only stopped when the woman managed to break free from a rope restraint and reach a neighbour's house for help.

Wark sold the Badgingarra property shortly after Hayley's disappearance. It has been reported he told neighbours he was suffering from lung cancer and wanted to be near family in Queensland.

WA police are remaining tight-lipped as to whether or not Wark is a suspect in Hayley's disappearance.

Ms Dodd said she believed the developments in the case were the most significant to date.

"At least police are investigating it and they're doing it thoroughly and I thank them for that," she said.

"I've only ever wanted them to do the job."

Ms Dodd said she was trying not to get her hopes up.

"If there's nothing in it (then) I'm going to come down with a real big bang," she said.

"People say time heals. No it doesn't. You just learn to live with the hurt.

"If we find Hayley we know where she is, and we know what's definitely happened to her.

"But she's not here. It's never going to end because she's never going to be back here're with us. She's not going to come down and take her nieces and nephews out. She's never going to come and have a cup of coffee."

WA police Commander Scott Higgins said the search at the Badgingarra house was based on "new facts", which had led to several people being interviewed also.

"We can't legally conduct this kind of search without facts - and we have some significant information,'' Commander Higgins said on Thursday.

Police have so far been reluctant to give details of the people being questioned, only to say there is more than one and some of them had been interviewed before.

They also confirmed they had visited the property before, but had not searched it in detail.

Yesterday, Hayley's sister Toni Dodd said she was feeling "mixed emotions".

"It's been really hard because you don't know if it's another false hope," she said.

"We want her to be found so we can lay her to rest.

"I'm just hoping they find something and they find something soon because every day that goes past is just longer and longer that we're waiting for answers."

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Doctor qualifications can't be verified

Report says there are "systemic" problems with the credentialling protocols across the public health system. File image. Source: News Limited

A SECRET report reveals there is a high risk that WA doctors are treating patients without proper skills because there is no statewide database to track their qualifications.

The report says there are "systemic" problems with the credentialling protocols across the public health system, including a shortage of staff to monitor doctor qualifications and lack of oversight for foreign doctors.

It warns the process is so bad there is also a "high" risk the Health Department is breaching the State Records Act.

The report, obtained by The Sunday Times through Freedom of Information laws, said an audit was "unable to sight" evidence verifying the skills of four doctors working at regional hospitals.

Another 18 doctors in the WA Country Health Service were given jobs before the credentialling process had started.

The audit said the state of the 22 doctors should be investigated "urgently".

Fears about the qualifications of four doctors at Royal Perth Hospital were also raised.

"Senior management may be unaware of any clinicians operating within the health system without the appropriate credentials," the report said.

The audit said administration support for the credentialling committee was poor.

At King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women there is no dedicated support person for the committee. There is also no formal training provided to credentialling staff.

The report has been kept secret since it was given to Health Department executives in April 2012.

"While there are varied methods of recording medical practitioner credentialling data, there is no system-wide data base," it said.

"The absence of a system-wide credentialling data base is seen by (the) Audit as the most pressing matter."

Opposition health spokesman Roger Cook said the findings were "explosive".

"West Australians should be able to go to their local hospitals confident that the doctor they see is qualified to treat them," Mr Cook said.

A Health Department spokesman said work on a database had progressed since the report.

"Following a competitive tender process, a company has been selected to supply a Credentialling and Scope of Clinical Practice data system to WA Health," he said.

"The launch of the new system will be staged, with the South Metropolitan Health Service expected to use the system in early 2014."

The spokesman said other than those identified in the report, no other medical practitioners had been found to be working without proper credentials since the report.

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Packer and Kerr in secret relationship

Erica Packer (far left) and James Packer are joined by Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom (both in white hats) with baby Flynn on Bora Bora last year. Pictures: INF, Mango Source: Supplied

JUST months after separating from their respective spouses, billionaire James Packer is romancing Australia's best known model Miranda Kerr.

In a move that surprised even those close to Mr Packer, the casino mogul has been quietly seeing the former Victoria's Secret model during trips abroad.

Model Miranda Kerr walks the runway during the 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

The relationship is said to have started after the shock September announcement that he had separated from wife Erica, with whom he has three young children - Indigo, 5, Jackson Lloyd, 3, and Emmanuelle Sheelah, 15 months.

Well-placed sources yesterday confirmed the new high-profile coupling but said the match was only made "very recently". A spokesman for Mr Packer did not return calls yesterday.

Dating.... Miranda Kerr and James Packer. Source: Supplied

Mr Packer, who is currently abroad and was last week in Colorado, has known Kerr for years. He is thought to have given her business advice when she launched a range of beauty products several years ago.

The two families holidayed together in Bora Bora in May 2012 - Kerr and Orlando Bloom and their baby son Flynn, then 16 months, enjoying the Packers' largesse during a seaside sojourn together with the hosts and their youngsters, Indigo and Jackson. The couples announced the end of their respective marriages just 45 days apart.

Erica Packer appeared with her children Emmanuelle, 1, Jackson, 3, and Indigo, 5, in the November issue of Vogue Australia. Picture: Steven Chee Source: Supplied

Like Erica, Kerr is a Gunnedah girl who rose to fame on the Australian catwalk. Sources told The Daily Telegraph Mr Packer, 46, and Kerr, 30, met through their ex-partners.

A former girlfriend of Russell Crowe and Jason Donovan, Erica Baxter, as she was then known, was living and working in the UK over a decade ago when she first befriended the dashing soon-to-be Lord Of The Rings star.

While Erica was becoming the second Mrs James Packer in a lavish ceremony on the French Riviera in 2007, Kerr, the former face of David Jones, was receiving her first taste of international recognition as a newly minted Victoria's Secret model. That contract came to an end this year and it was in this role that she caught her future husband's eye.

Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr with their son Flynn in New York City. Picture: Splash Source: Splash News Australia

In 2010, Bloom and the three-month pregnant model made their relationship official with a private wedding - but they confirmed their separation in October after three years of marriage.

Kerr has been linked to a number of high-profile men during the past year. Last December there were rumours of an encounter with actor Leonardo DiCaprio and earlier this year similar rumours swirled regarding actor Gerard Butler.

Mr Packer, who told friends business pressures caused the breakdown of his second marriage, is expected to spend Christmas in the US with his children, who now live in Los Angeles with their mother. Kerr, by coincidence, also calls the US home.

BILLIONAIRE JAMES PACKER'S PENCHANT FOR GLAMOUROUS BRUNETTES

Jodhi Meares married James Packer in 1999. Picture: Stylerunner. Source: Supplied

JAMES Packer has long been a man who has attracted his fair share of lighthearted envy - and not just because of his wallet and lavish lifestyle.

It seems he is just as successful at sharing his life with gorgeous swimsuit models as he is in the business sphere.

Mr Packer's penchant for glamour has seen him date a coterie of beautiful woman, including London weather presenter Ulrika Jonsson and the woman who preceded her in front of the weather map at TV-AM, Tania Bryer, followed by US nude model-turned actor Joan Severance and model Jennifer Flavin, who went on to become Mrs Sly Stallone.

After returning to Sydney, the then heir to the Packer fortune was romantically linked with singer Deni Hines while living in Bondi, before he fell head over heels in love with Kate Fischer, who starred in the award-winning film Sirens.

Kate Fischer was also involved with James Packer. Source: News Limited

Theirs was a considerably affectionate courtship, and the pair spent five years together - including a two-year engagement.

When they split, Mr Packer reportedly gave Fischer their Bondi love pad and a $10 million settlement.

Swimsuit model Jodhi Meares was the next dark-haired beauty to attract Mr Packer's gaze.

They married in 1999 before separating in 2002 and later divorcing. Mr Packer found love again with another model-singer, Erica Baxter. After a whirlwind romance, they married in 2007 in a glitzy ceremony on the French Riviera and announced their separation in September. The couple have three children.

COUNTRY TOWN OF DAZZLING BEAUTIES

GUNNEDAH - exporter of cotton, coal and companions for James Packer.

For the second time, the affable billionaire has picked his beauties from the unlikely gene pool of the NSW country town; it's two most famous daughters (according to Wikipedia).

Mr Packer's second wife Erica, from whom he split in September, was born in the town in 1977. Her dad was a second-generation solicitor and she later headed to Sydney to study at the Abbotsleigh private school.

But it was the town that made the girl, with cherished years of riding horses and bikes, playing footy with the boys and backyard cricket helping shape her character.

Erica Packer following her split with James Packer. Source: Supplied

"My childhood was really good. We knew everyone in town. It was a real community-based lifestyle,'' the former Mrs Packer once said.

Unlike his ex-wife, Kerr was not born in Gunnedah, but spent the majority of her childhood in the town that now has a population just shy of 8000. She raced motorbikes and rode horses on her grandmother's farm, describing her life as "grounding'', where "you could just be you''.

Following her modelling success in the US, highlighted by her appearance in lingerie, Kerr began to chip away at her former neighbour's early lead in the battle to be Gunnedah's favourite daughter.

She took the lead when one Orlando Bloom asked for her hand in marriage.

Kerr remains close to the area. Her grandmother Ann still lives there.

####

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'Untidy' hair causes race stir

WA school was forced to apologise over a racial discrimination complaint lodged by a family whose child was told their hair was "untidy". File image. Source: Supplied

A WA school was forced to apologise over a racial discrimination complaint lodged by a family whose child was told their hair was "untidy".

The child's mother argued that "because of her child's mixed cultural heritage, the child had naturally curly hair".

She pulled the student out of the school before lodging the complaint with the Equal Opportunity Commission.

The school apologised over the incident and agreed to change its hair policy "to recognise that while students do need to retain high standards of grooming, students do have different cultural and ethnic characteristics".

The incident was among a growing number of complaints lodged by young West Australians aged under 19 years with the commission.

In the past year, 43 complaints have been made by that age group, with impairment, age and sex discrimination making up the majority of incidents. That total was up from just 22 complaints three years ago.

Acting Commissioner Allanah Lucas said many educational institutions and organisations were developing cultural awareness, but many needed to work more with parents, teachers and students.

"It doesn't give you all the answers but if you don't know anything about the changing demographic around you then, yes, you're going to make assumptions - and then, of course, there are these continued stereotypes in our community," she said.

"That's the one thing that has hit me - when people are themselves ignorant they will act in an ignorant way. It's actually ignorance we need to deal with and somehow give people the information, the opportunity to get some sort of understanding."

Ms Lucas said she was concerned that pregnancy discrimination was emerging as an issue for young women in the workplace.

"There is that unconscious bias there, which is very sad to hear in 2013," she said.

Ms Lucas said the greatest challenge was proving complaints, urging young West Australians to document possible discrimination and keep any paperwork or text messages.

Among the other complaints included a grandmother who claimed that her grandmother was not allowed to attend a school camp because of her impairment. That issue was resolved after discussions were held.

Another young student received a $1000 ex-gratia payment from her employer and a written apology after saying she was subjected to unwanted sexual comments while working as a waitress and over text message.

yasmine.phillips@news.com.au

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Hayley mum shocked by rape connection

Hayley Dodd's mother Margaret pictured in Mandurah. PICTURE: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Limited

THE mother of missing teenager Hayley Dodd says she had no idea the Badgingarra property being searched for her daughter's body was once owned by a convicted rapist.

Margaret Dodd said the first she heard about the connection was through the media on Friday.

It is the latest twist in the Mandurah mother's 14 year fight for answers over her daughter's disappearance.

Yesterday, on what should have been Hayley's 32nd birthday, Ms Dodd issued a new plea for anyone involved in her daughter's disappearance to come forward.

She thanked police for carrying out a fresh search of the Badgingarra property, 220km north of Perth.

The property in less than 1km from where 17-year-old Hayley vanished in 1999.

"I don't know who police think is responsible, but they have got significant information that has made that place of interest," Mrs Dodd told The Sunday Times.

"If it is someone who used to live at that property, I would say, 'C'mon, it's been long enough now. Tell us where Hayley is. We just want her home. It would mean absolutely everything to the whole family'."

WA Police returned to Badgingarra on Wednesday to search a rural property once owned by 57-year-old Francis John Wark.

Wark is serving a 12-year jail term for the abduction and rape of a 32-year-old woman in North Queensland in 2007.

Court documents reveal Wark offered the woman a lift after seeing her walking along a north Queensland highway.

He then took her to his house, where he hit her over the head twice with a piece of wood before sexually assaulting her for several hours.

The ordeal only stopped when the woman managed to break free from a rope restraint and reach a neighbour's house for help.

Wark sold the Badgingarra property shortly after Hayley's disappearance. It has been reported he told neighbours he was suffering from lung cancer and wanted to be near family in Queensland.

WA police are remaining tight-lipped as to whether or not Wark is a suspect in Hayley's disappearance.

Ms Dodd said she believed the developments in the case were the most significant to date.

"At least police are investigating it and they're doing it thoroughly and I thank them for that," she said.

"I've only ever wanted them to do the job."

Ms Dodd said she was trying not to get her hopes up.

"If there's nothing in it (then) I'm going to come down with a real big bang," she said.

"People say time heals. No it doesn't. You just learn to live with the hurt.

"If we find Hayley we know where she is, and we know what's definitely happened to her.

"But she's not here. It's never going to end because she's never going to be back here're with us. She's not going to come down and take her nieces and nephews out. She's never going to come and have a cup of coffee."

WA police Commander Scott Higgins said the search at the Badgingarra house was based on "new facts", which had led to several people being interviewed also.

"We can't legally conduct this kind of search without facts - and we have some significant information,'' Commander Higgins said on Thursday.

Police have so far been reluctant to give details of the people being questioned, only to say there is more than one and some of them had been interviewed before.

They also confirmed they had visited the property before, but had not searched it in detail.

Yesterday, Hayley's sister Toni Dodd said she was feeling "mixed emotions".

"It's been really hard because you don't know if it's another false hope," she said.

"We want her to be found so we can lay her to rest.

"I'm just hoping they find something and they find something soon because every day that goes past is just longer and longer that we're waiting for answers."

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