Basil Zempilas 10 Things: Angus Taylor will become a favourite among Aussies for his character and plan

1. We want WA to be safe, but we also want it to be fair and the AI camera seatbelt fines being dished out by the State Government don’t cut it on the fairness test. When sixty per cent of motorists are successfully appealing their infringements, you know the system isn’t right. That’s more than $1 million in fines which have been cancelled - but only after drivers have gone through the stressful and time-consuming review process. 2. These kinks in the system should have been ironed out during the eight-month trial period. It shouldn’t be a case of guilty until proven innocent. And it’s unfair for a responsible driver to cop a $550 fine and four demerits because of a “seatbelt shuffle” from a passenger sitting next to them. 3. It’s nice the Premier and his Treasurer have finally decided to turn their minds to a decade of under-spending in housing and health – but they’re doing it at precisely the same time WA’s once favourable economic headwinds have changed. We’re playing catch-up and unfortunately for all of us the full financial impact is coming all at once. 4. In the middle of WA’s housing crisis the State Government’s land agency, DevelopmentWA has only one block of residential land for sale in all of Greater Perth. One. Pulling every lever? 5. The NDIS was supposed to be an insurance scheme for Australians with severe disability – not a welfare system which costs $50 billion. The proposed changes should make the NDIS more financially sustainable and restore public confidence - but the burden to cover the costs should not fall back to the states. 6. It was a great pleasure to spend some time with and listen to Federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor in Perth this week. His professionalism and intellect were never in doubt but what the odd eight second TV grab didn’t show was his warmth and humility. I sense the more Australians get to know him, the more they’re going to like both him and his plan to move our nation forward. 7. In my opinion there is no greater embodiment of Australian values than those we celebrate on ANZAC Day. The qualities of sacrifice, courage, pride, inclusion and mateship are the quintessential Australian qualities we should strive to uphold every day. Lest we forget. 8. From the Dawn Service at Kings Park to my local service in West Leederville and then into the City for the ANZAC Day march, tomorrow is a day I feel particularly privileged to be involved in. My favourite moment each year, when now 90yo retired Major Don Cruden from the 7RAR marches past the dais dishing out Minties to the crowd either side. 9. I caught the 9.10am from Perth Underground to Yanchep earlier this week to spend some time in the electorates of Butler and Joondalup. Yanchep National Park was a highlight, but question, why is there no bus there from the train station? 10. Freo can win the flag. I’m convinced.