Labor MP demands an apology from Basil Zempilas over Bullsbrook power ‘misinformation’

Labor has accused Basil Zempilas of “bullying” a female MP, after a question about Western Power’s missing laptops sparked a bitter exchange in Parliament. Amber-Jade Sanderson has declared it “not acceptable” that Western Power has reported $1 million worth of taxpayer-funded computers have been lost or stolen. An audit is now underway. “It represents a very small percentage of their assets, but it’s not acceptable,” the Energy Minister said. She insisted no data was at risk as a result. But it was the Opposition Leader’s question that linked the missing laptops to frequent blackouts in Bullsbrook that set off a verbal exchange, that ended with Labor MP Michelle Maynard demanding an apology. Mr Zempilas had asked Minister Sanderson whether she had confidence in Western Power given “they can’t keep the lights on in suburbs like Bullsbrook”. Ms Maynard, who is the Labor member for Swan Hills, interjected and accused the Opposition of peddling “misinformation” over the area’s frequent power outages. He confronted her inside the Legislative Assembly after Question Time concluded, at around 3pm. Debate on new tobacco laws was paused, when Labor MP David Scaife stood and accused Mr Zempilas of “standing over” Ms Maynard, and “harassing and verballing” her. Speaker Stephen Price said he would review the footage. “I need to have further investigation,” he said. “I’ll have a look at it”. Ms Maynard said the interaction was “uninvited” and demanded an apology. “The Leader of the Opposition came over to my seat, stood over me and attempted to intimidate and bully me,” she said. “Four of my colleagues asked him to move away and it wasn’t until a male colleague stood between me and the Opposition Leader that he moved away. “This type of bullying and intimidating behaviour cannot be accepted and I expect a full and sincere public apology from the Opposition Leader.” Mr Zempilas immediately issued one, after being contacted by The West Australian. “I understand Michelle felt intimidated during the exchange, which was not my intention, and I apologise to the Member,” he said. The altercation lasted about a minute. Cameras in the Legislative Assembly captured Mr Zempilas standing alongside Ms Maynard, showing her his phone. What he said was not audible. One Labor MP who intervened called it “aggressive”, while an Opposition MP insisted it was a “back and forth” conversation. Parliamentary standards have been under the spotlight, after both sides of politics accused each other of misbehaviour last week. Premier Roger Cook said “government sets the agenda for Parliament, but the Opposition sets the tone” after Education Minister Sabine Winton was caught on camera calling an Opposition MP an “arsehole”. Ms Winton claimed her insult was sparked by a “racist” sledge, after Nationals MP Lachlan Hunter told MP’s to “enjoy your dim sum”. There was heated debate during Question Time on Wednesday too, when the Premier defended new demersal fish bans. Mr Cook was warned to direct his comments to Speaker Stephen Price, after he called Opposition MP’s anti-recreational fishing and anti-environment. “What do you stand for,” he yelled. “You would be happy just to let rip”. The debate became even more heated when John Carey attacked the Nationals’ record on regional health infrastructure. “The Nationals talk big, but it’s only actually Labor Governments that do major investment in regional hospitals,” he said. “They are like a tinder date. You swipe it right because you might give it a go, but when you turn up you realise you’ve been catfished. They are all talk!” Labor MPs laughed, while Mr Price urged all members to take a breath.