Western Australias opposition leader has vowed to boost the states public housing supply but is facing heat over his partys uncosted election promises. Even before the election campaign begins in earnest, Labor has announced a new $2 billion fully-funded maternity hospital. Before entering Parliament, Mr Kirkup was a political staffer prior to a stint at construction giant BGC. "It's David versus Goliath," Mr Kirkup suggested. Kirkup says he is unashamedly from the small-l liberal wing of the party but works well with all his colleagues. "All of us want to know where we come from," he said. Incredible moment turtle fends off hungry shark, Figures show 16 per cent rise in The Wests online audience, Construction starts on WA's Burrup amid outcry, Teacher accused of filming female students, Ousted WA Labor MP faces court over DV conviction, Peel Health Campus does 180 on ambulance ramping hours, UNCLAIMED ticket: Hunt for WAs latest Lotto millionaire, FUEL UP NOW: Where to find cheapest petrol as prices spike, Man dies in fatal collision with road train north of Perth, West Australian Newspapers Limited 2023. It was telling, when asked to describe his rival in a few words, Kirkup avoided the sort of pejorative language youd expect to find on the campaign trail. Zak Kirkup elected new WA Liberal Party leader after Dean and9News, Mr Kirkup referred to his start in life on several occasions. The new leader flagged several areas of focus for election commitments, including addressing cost-of-living pressures and youth unemployment, along with reskilling older workers. I appreciate Rita's role during this campaign. Zak Kirkup Co-Founder & Director at Kolbang Published Jan 6, 2022 + Follow Lost an election. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Shadow Ministerial Appointments WebHe is now in a relationship with Jenna Clarke, assistant editor of The West Australian newspaper and a breakfast radio co-host with Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas. There are none so blind . He said he would support the advice from WA's Chief Health Officer "without hesitation or equivocation". He hasnt contributed to developing the state nearly anywhere near any of those other very important people who have helped be those state-shapers that weve had.. Mon, 31 January 2022 12:11AM Former WA Liberal Party leader Zak Kirkup has been drawn into a defamation battle involving a WA businessman who claims the ex The Legislative Assembly meets on 09/05/2023 (01:00 PM), The Legislative Council meets on 09/05/2023 (02:00 PM), The Public Administration meets on 10/05/2023 (09:00 AM), Members of the Legislative Council (Upper House), Members of the Legislative Assembly (Lower House), Speeches by Mr Zak Richard Francis Kirkup. "We are three months from a state election and they don't have any policies. "I understand people will say those things. It will be worth keeping an eye on The West Australian s coverage Kirkup is in a relationship with Jenna Clarke, the assistant editor of the states only Zak Thats why I co-founded Kolbang, a genuine commitment to do better for Western Australia. Mr Marmion was a minister in the Barnett government, and has held the blue-ribbon seat of Nedlands since 2008. Hes done a good job during COVID, Kirkup said, adding: He has just been let down by a party that has mismanaged the rest of the state.. Liza Harvey announces shock decision to step down as WA Opposition Leader ahead of state election, Police investigating gangland shooting allegedly uncover separate murder plot, Pioneering Australian musician and The Dingoes frontman Broderick Smith dies aged 75, 'I don't buy that one bit': Next AFL CEO denies claims of a boys' club after promotion from general counsel, How Heather Mitchell survived a 'testosterone, cocaine and alcohol-fuelled' workplace, Hundreds of 'completely underfunded' Coalition-era infrastructure projects on the chopping block, The public will be asked to pledge allegiance to King Charles III. The future of Western Australia depends on us doing well, it depends on the Liberal Party being a strong and viable alternative in government, absolutely ready for the challenge and absolutely ready for the future., https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/zak-kirkup-david-not-daunted-by-electoral-goliath-in-wa-election/news-story/ab17344655a149f120caf4655b0079d6, Scan this QR code to download the app now. "It's not something that's spoken about when I was younger with my family, and I think that's to do with my grandfather and what he was like, and it wasn't well spoken about.". Ultimately, I don't know if it's not so much about the structure but more about bringing as many people in to get them involved as possible, because the diversity of ideas and what I think drives our party and that's what I think we need to do, encourage more of that and get those good quality candidates in.. "We will make sure that people out there do not have to fear whether or not they can pay their next power bill, whether or not they're going to be worried if they can put food on the table," he said. Mr Marmion said he was not thinking about retiring. Categories . There is the need there to see that city improve, he said. Best Perth pubs for pre-footy beers or a cheeky cocktail, Sun robbed me: Stars STUNNING accusations against paper, West Australian Newspapers Limited 2023. Privately, such is the popularity of McGowan that many in the Liberal Party think their best outcome would be to simply hold the few seats they currently occupy the Liberal Party holds just 13 of the 59 seats in the West Australian parliament ahead of a proper tilt in 2025. His father Robert a tradie and small business operator had strong opinions about militant unions. We found out everything you really want to know before you go to the polls (including the one question neither leader would answer!). Web7,881 Followers, 3,641 Following, 2,005 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Jenna Clarke (@jennamclarke) Mr Collier is a veteran of the Legislative Council and has been a key player in a series of leadership changes since he entered Parliament in 2005. AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), abc.net.au/news/zak-kirkup-elected-unopposed-as-new-wa-liberal-party-leader/12913004, Get breaking news alerts directly to your phone with our app, Help keep family & friends informed by sharing this article, Jock Zonfrillo, judge on MasterChef Australia, dies aged 46, MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo remembered for 'wicked sense of humour', Lauren Cranston jailed for eight years over one of Australia's biggest tax frauds, Tony Abbott mounts attack on Voice after a spat with parliamentary committee, 'They will forever know their dad was a hero': 1,000 mourners farewell slain NSW paramedic, Nurse driving home from shift among victims of triple-fatal crash involving allegedly stolen car, There are 11 First Nations MPs and senators. Mr Kirkup said he would not be interested in running for a regular councillor position and would only consider nominating for the Mayor chains. But he said all Liberal policies were now under review, including recent promises to extend retail trading hours and remove energy retailer Synergy's monopoly by introducing competition to WA's energy market. However, Mr Nalder said Labors predicted victory tonight was a result of the COVID-19 impact and federal stimulus packages creating a strong domestic economy. I have got considerable experience and I won't be going anywhere," he said. It's been tough and it's not just me. Mr Kirkup immediately moved to head off a key Government line of attack against Ms Harvey, declaring he would remove any ambiguity about the Liberals' position on the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Webgabriel iglesias volkswagen collection. At best it seems unnecessary, and, at worst, its a bit like kicking a bloke when hes down. WA Labor spent $6.17 million on advertising to secure Mark McGowans landslide election victory, $2.49 million more than the Liberals. "The business card was a bit of a piss-take from my parents because they couldn't believe they had a son who was interested in politics," he explained. To improve your experience, MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo dies aged 46. And here he is now leader of the Opposition. Its an agenda that sits uneasily with many of the more conservative rank and file Liberals. He was a member of the Western Australian Liberal Party, and served as a member for the Western Australian Legislative Assembly for the electoral district of Dawesville from 2017 to 2021.. Zak Kirkup, the new Liberal leader for Western Australia, spoke with 9News and WAToday in an emotional interview. Speaking after he was elected, Mr Kirkup said he was "up for the fight" to contest the March election and dismissed any concerns about his youth and parliamentary inexperience. But Kirkup insists the mental health battles are behind him, and they would not impede his capacity to serve as premier. "What you have seen today is the Liberal Party blowing itself up and becoming a train wreck," he said. Faced with a three-month election campaign to oust the most popular premier in. State Opposition Leader Zak Kirkup has opened up on the moment he knew he couldnt win the election against Mark McGowan. (9News) Faced with a three-month election campaign to oust the most popular premier in Western Australian history, Mark McGowan, the pressure is already beginning to take its toll. The Shadow Treasurer would not be drawn on whether backroom deals had secured the leadership for Mr Kirkup before MPs had the chance to cast their votes. Zak Kirkup is of Yamatji heritage and is the former leader of the Liberal Party in Western Australia covid-19 zak kirkup health column Since assuming the leadership last month, he has announced a suite of election promises straight out of the Labor playbook, including ruling out the privatisation of WAs electricity utilities, a $60m electric vehicle charging network, and $81.3m for bike paths. Even before replacing Liza Harvey as Liberal leader, Mr Kirkup's political ambition was well-documented. We are different, but the beauty of it is that we actually have differential views; we can have differences and talk about them and work together, he told The Weekend Australian. "I was speaking to Mum about that," he recalled. Dawesville MP Zak Kirkup has married fiance Michelle Gadellaa in a classic church wedding at St Georges Cathedral in Perth on Saturday. Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media. Weve seen it plenty of times what happens when you get good local governments, they can make a very real difference at this point all Id say is that Im considering it.. Opposition Leader Zak Kirkups WA Liberals were annihilated at the March election but he is already considering putting up his hand for local politics.Credit: Peter de Kruijff. Politics only became Mr Kirkup's calling after his first career dream was shattered. With all our faults and with the many things that need to change, as I laid there in a hospital bed wondering what was in store for me, I couldnt have been happier to call Australia home. Zak Kirkup has never run a business, hes never run a household, hes got no real life experience at all, Satterley told The Weekend Australian. It comes as he became the first Liberal leader in 88 years to lose his seat. Premier Mark McGowan and Opposition leader Zak Kirkup will face off tonight in the all-important State election debate not to be missed. Get the news you want delivered straight to your inbox so you never miss a headline. The leadership change follows polling that indicated the Opposition was on course for a heavy election loss, with Ms Harvey saying a new direction was in the best interests of the party. Regarding the considerable challenge of defending his party's 13 seats in Parliament's Legislative Assembly, Mr Kirkup's raw emotion was again on show. Follow our live coverage. Started two new businesses, one which employs near 40 people. (Hint: You'll have to go back to the home page to do this). Jenna Clarke Wiki: I don't really want to address the individual things people may or may not say. This is what you need to know, Buses, ferries proposed as Hobart stadium transport fix, Live: MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo remembered for 'wicked sense of humour'. Vasse MP Libby Mettam was also voted in unopposed as deputy leader. [But] I wasn't sure whether the timing was right now," he said. "They are inexperienced, risky and divided. Defeated at the general election of 13 March 2021 by Lisa Anne Munday (ALP). He was a primary school prefect in Forrestfield and believes that sparked "a sense of service". Regular chances to win incredible prizes like luxury getaways and sports tickets with our subscriber exclusive competitions. "[Peter] is a very influential person in the partyroom and has been for a long time," Mr Nahan said. He is part-Indigenous on his father's side and says he wants to learn. Peter de Kruijff Subscribers with digital access can view this article. State Liberal MP Alyssa Hayden, who has known Mr Kirkup since he was 16 years old, described the note titled Zak Kirkup has a women problem as The current Subiaco Mayor is Penny Taylor who ran unsuccessfully for Labor in the 2017 state election before winning the top spot at the council later the same year, promising to reinvigorate a local government area where development had stagnated and vibrancy was to be lost when the AFL moved to Optus Stadium. Jenna Clarke is a famous journalist, reporter, and columnist from Australia. "Mike's entitled to his views. Bookmakers are tipping an Election Day slaughtering with the WA Liberals on course to lose seven of their 13 seats including that of opposition leader Zak Kirkup. Mark McGowans tough border stance has kept him apart from his parents for 14 months, but they dont appear to hold a grudge a day out from another defining day in the Labor leaders career. He is now in a relationship with Jenna Clarke, assistant editor of The West Australian newspaper and a breakfast radio co-host with Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas. Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. "Zak R.F.Kirkup Young Liberal, Future Prime Minister," the card read. I think people understand we have a private life. Retiring Liberal MP and former opposition leader Mike Nahan went further, calling for the leadership change to be followed by the resignations of party powerbroker Peter Collier and ex-deputy leader Bill Marmion. Kirkup is not the conventional model of a Liberal leader. Favourite TV binge: The Thick of It, The Office (US version). "You say it's an achievement, right, and it's a very big honour. WATCH LIVE HERE. "I think ultimately everybody knows that I'm in a relationship with Jenna Clarke," he said. Ben O'Shea PerthNow. Abuse-accused childcare worker runs from court hearing, We need to talk about THAT Succession ending, Perth Mint cans controversial gold-trading app, McGowan rules out rent price cap but flags annual hike limit, McGowan declares WA projects will escape Albos funding axe, Child rushed to hospital after serious Mandurah crash, What you need to know about the upcoming 2023 Federal Budget. "We will continue to follow the advice," he said. The Liberal leader vowed to bow out of politics so the crushed Liberal Party can rebuild. The once-opposition leader, who had previously called it quits on politics, told 6PRs Perth Live with Ollie Peterson on Monday he had been approached by several people about running for Western Suburbs council at the next local government election. He also raised eyebrows among some of the party faithful when he released a statement attacking Clive Palmer, describing the billionaire as a bloke who gets rich off other peoples hard work. My family has a history of serving, with the names of my relatives inscribed on the Aboriginal war memorial in Geraldton. "I think they basically made it very difficult for Liza Harvey. "The reality is those issues have been dealt with from a conflict of interest perspective now between Jenna and her bosses over at Seven West.". Liberal leader Zak Kirkup has suffered a barrage of criticism in a series of TV appearances tonight including a swipe from Labors outgoing treasurer that he has tried to lose. The overwhelming consensus view of my colleagues is exactly that. Mr Kirkup was asked if reaching the top office in his party was already enough of an achievement for one so young. The COVID pandemic has created a unique environment. Burglars run rampant after shops hit in smash and grab spree, Charity puts out the call for period product donations, RAC Rescue dispatched to motorcycle accident in Nowergup, Detectives ramp up hunt for service station robbers, Exmouth shark attack boy being treated for deep cuts, Accused Perth kidnappers demanded money from family', Best Perth pubs for pre-footy beers or a cheeky cocktail, The Mother of all bad news as iconic Freo food spot closes, COAT OFF, COAT ON: Glorious sunshine but itll be fresh, Everybody cut footloose at WAAPA Open Day, Rentals around the world for same price as Perths average, JAWS-OME! "It seems to have been sorted before [the vote], but I haven't got any comment to make on that," he said. Clive Palmer is an aberration, he said. "From what I recall, I think he (Howard) said something like 'when do you think that's going to happen?' But the revelations have only provided more ammunition for those who see Kirkup as the wrong person for the job. When Im not working Im usually running, reading or studying my MBA. That precocious moment 16 years ago, has served as a marker for Mr Kirkup's political verve ever since. Mr McGowan has successfully steered WA through the. West Australian Newspapers Limited 2023. While Palmer is one of the most unpopular figures in WA, due to his failed legal challenge on the border restrictions and his $28bn-plus lawsuit against the state, some saw the statement as an attack on the principles of free enterprise and entrepreneurship at the heart of the Liberal Party. Car you drive now: Toyota Camry Hybrid. They are not ready to govern. "It's not something I think anyone would expect to see gone through forensically, or anything like that. First-term MP Zak Kirkup will lead the WA Liberal Party to the March state election, having been elected unopposed after rival Dean Nalder pulled out of the contest shortly before a partyroom vote. My fathers side is Yamatji and my mum was born in NZ. Mr Kirkup, 33, was elected as Dawesville MP in 2017 and replaces Liza Harvey, who quit on Sunday less than four months from the election. Western Australias opposition leader is confident voters wont abandon him at next months election despite polls predicting his downfall and a crushing victory by Labor. He grew increasingly emotional and tearful, prompting him to subsequently reveal that he had been diagnosed with depression a year earlier. If the Liberals can avoid going backwards and Kirkups own seat, with a wafer-thin margin of just 0.6 per cent, is one of those that are potentially in danger he may have done enough to earn a more realistic tilt at the premiership in 2025. WebKirkup, 34, may be physically fit but the strain of heading an opposition campaign for 109 days in which his party faces a potential generational wipe-out, and his own seat of Dawesville could flip, takes a toll. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti added that even she was surprised Zak Kirkup conceded defeat, and said she believed the decision had an impact on Liberal members as well as Liberal voters. First job: Stacking shelves at Coles in Beechboro. The budget for Mr Kirkups disastrous state campaign budget leaving the Liberal party with only two seats in Parliaments lower house was revealed on Sunday by the WA Electoral Commission. From my perspective, I dont think that means not being able to do the job. "Part of growing up as a child playing a lot of sport was to learn how to lose. WebMs. I grew up in the eastern suburbs around Midland, attending school Woodlupine Primary School in Forrestfield and Governor Stirling Senior High School in West Midland. WA Liberal MP Zak Kirkup. Picture: Facebook The battle for the leadership of the West Australian Liberal Party has turned nasty, with the circulation of a dirt sheet on political cleanskin and emerging favourite Zak Kirkup claiming the 33-year-old had a women problem. "I'm going through the process of separation and that's difficult," he said. The big parties focused spending on very different areas. history, Mark McGowan, the pressure is already beginning to take its toll. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. There is a long process to go before you start looking at somewhere like Nedlands or Churchlands or any other districts that are around, he said. All about the most isolated city in the world and the fabulous people who live there. Mr Nalder said he withdrew from the contest because he "didn't have the numbers". He is now in a relationship with Jenna Clarke, assistant editor of The West Australian newspaper and a breakfast radio co-host with Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas. Watch and listen to a variety of WA true crime series, video channels and podcasts with commentary on news, politics and current affairs. His Twitter profile (of course hes a prolific tweeter) features a picture of a sign reading Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land (his paternal grandfather was Aboriginal), and he was a vocal supporter of Labors voluntary assisted dying bill that passed parliament last year. Are you a deadset writing legend? Lawyer Ryan Chorley racked up $46,600 to try and keep South Perth for the Liberals while Melville councillor Matt Woodall spent $29,439 on Bateman. Mr Kirkup said he hoped Mr Nalder would stay on as Shadow Treasurer and that there would be "minimal disruption" to the Shadow Cabinet. The Parliament acknowledges the First Australians as the traditional owners of the lands we represent and pays respects to their Elders both past and present. In recent months, Mr Kirkup has been in a romantic relationship with assistant editor of The West Australian, Jenna Clarke, a former journalist for WAtoday In November 2020, Kirkup was elected as the leader of the Western Australian Opposition Leader Zak Kirkup rebounded from a horror week and found fertile COVID-19 pressure points. The WA Supreme Court on Friday added Mr Kirkup to Perth property developer Greg Polands ongoing attempt to sue Nine website WAtoday and two of its former reporters, Nathan Hondros and Kate Hedley. The Liberal Party has been forced into a humiliating backdown, cancelling a fundraiser organised involving ex-State leader Zak Kirkup - because it was considered Kirkup SAVAGES former Liberal In an awkward live television moment, Opposition leader Zak Kirkup has told a former Liberal MP he was old and stale, when talking about party reform. Liberal leader Zak Kirkups decision to take on Premier Mark McGowan bare-necked and stubble-faced stirred debate on social media, with some viewers accusing him of showing a lack of respect. The Liberal Party has a diversity of opinion, and thats what makes us stronger.. Former prime minister Tony Abbott is the latest to heap blame on Zak Kirkup following the WA election result but good luck to the Libs if theyre going to take directions from the Mad Monk. Both lost. It wasnt Kirkups promises or policies that got people talking during Thursday nights election debate, it was his attire. In politics, this culminated with my elevation to the 35th Leader of the Opposition in Western Australia and serving as the Member for Dawesville from 2017 - 2021. ZAK KIRKUP Occupation: State Opposition Leader, founder of the anti-tie movement and owner of the most manicured eyebrows in politics. Here's what they think of a Voice to Parliament, Soccer spectator accused of punching out teeth of referee in 'outrageous attack' refused bail, How Australia was left with only one deployable submarine, quit on Sunday less than four months from the election, remove energy retailer Synergy's monopoly by introducing competition to WA's energy market, Zak Kirkup has some giant hurdles to overcome, and the biggest one may be making sure voters know who he is, 'Disjointed' WA Liberals lean towards first-term MP Zak Kirkup to take party to March election. Among his detractors is Nigel Satterley, an influential property developer who has turned from one of the WA Liberal Partys biggest supporters into one of its biggest critics. This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced. "You're the 35thleader of the Opposition in the history of the state, from a background where people like us don't get ahead, with a premier who is very popular, in a state that's gone through a global pandemic and has a very uncertain future," he said. Credit: Natalie Richards. Moved homes, twice. "I think one could argue that you need to have a bit of experience in the team," he said. I respect the decision of my colleagues. There is so much to discover about her including her biography, Wikipedia, and many more facts about her. By the time he reached Governor Stirling Senior High School, in the historic eastern Perth suburb of Woodbridge, Mr Kirkup was getting comfortable in the language of political discourse. Ive never seen a political leader try to lose as much as Zak has, Mr Wyatt said. Mr Kirkups night was not about to get any easier as retiring member for Bateman Dean Nalder also took aim at his former colleague saying he wouldnt have conceded defeat before the election if he were Liberal leader.