‘Personal’ question about Premier Roger Cook’s move out of Kwinana prompts angry outburst in Parliament

An Opposition question targeting Roger Cook’s move out of his electorate was shut down, as a senior minister declared Basil Zempilas was full of “hot air” during another heated question time in Parliament. Liberal MP Jonathan Huston facetiously attempted to welcome the Premier to his electorate of Nedlands, after it was revealed this week Mr Cook is moving into an apartment in West Perth. “My question is, in this seven day a week job of ours, who is representing your electorate while I’m representing you,” he said. Speaker Stephen Price said only questions about portfolio responsibilities were allowed, as Labor MP’s cried “shame on you” across the chamber. Earlier on Tuesday, Labor MPs defended the Premier’s move and Police Minister Reece Whitby said that living in Cottesloe hasn’t stopped him spending enough time in his electorate of Baldivis. “No one works harder than the Premier, no one puts in longer hours than the Premier. So I fully understand his decision,” he said. Outside Parliament, Mr Zempilas proudly declared all seven Liberal MPs live in their electorates despite insisting the Premier’s move isn’t a concern. “Where the Premier chooses to live is a matter for the Premier. I note that it is very difficult for most West Australians to be able to find somewhere to live,” the Opposition Leader said. He didn’t rule out changing the rules, that don’t require MPs to live locally, if he wins the next election. “I’ll think about that. There may be some circumstances where it’s difficult,” he said. But Mr Zempilas conceded he didn’t live in the City of Perth while he was Lord Mayor. “What I can tell you is I live in my electorate, and I know that all of my Lower House colleagues live in their electorates,” he said. “So that’s how we are applying our sense of obligation under the rules that exist.” During Question Time on Tuesday, Mr Zempilas denied a Labor MP’s claim that he warned Paul Papalia to “watch your back” after the Defence Industry Minister accused him of being silent on submarines. He’d previously described the Liberal Leader as “cream puff” but this time went further. “A little bit flaky and brittle on the outside, puffed up and ultimately completely full of hot air,” Mr Papalia said. Any response from Mr Zempilas couldn’t be heard from the public galleries. Labor MP Kim Giddens claimed he said “watch your back” but admitted she might have misheard. “No, I did not (say that),” Mr Zempilas said, and the Speaker swiftly declared question time over.