Basil Zempilas: Questions still linger after bare-knuckle boxing rejected
1.
Despite the best efforts of the Premier and the Deputy Premier to make a case for bare-knuckle boxing to be allowed into Western Australia, late last week the Combat Sports Commission reached a different conclusion. We don't know why they said no, only that 'the board were not satisfied the event met the required criteria.' Hallelujah. Thank goodness the Commission could see what our two most senior politicians couldn't. It was a gold standard cop out, but we got there in the end. It's a pity the decision on Rita's racetrack can't be deferred to the Combat Sports Commission.
2.
The ultimate result left us with more questions than answers, among them, will the minutes of the CSC meeting where common sense finally prevailed be released so can better understand the decision? We'd also like to know;
3.
Why did the Sports Minister not exercise her power to make the decision instead of abrogating that responsibility?
4.
What communications were there between the Minister, her office and/or the Department and the Combat Sports Commission in the lead-up to the decision being made?
5
. Can the Minister assure us the Combat Sports Commission reached this decision independently and without any political pressure?
6.
Getting straight answers out of this government is proving a challenge. In the interests of making sure as many eligible families as possible receive the benefit they are entitled to, Shadow Education Minister Liam Staltari asked for a school-by-school breakdown on claim rates for the Student Assistant Payment of up to $250 a child. The State Government refused.
7.
Conveniently, or otherwise, the Premier has been more forthcoming on the prospect of another public holiday for West Australians. Straight out of the playbook, it's always good to get people talking about 'other stuff'. On the list of things that would be nice to have but which aren't needed and can't be justified, a 12th public holiday for WA would be close to the top.
8.
It's men's health week and the stats are sobering. Fifty Aussie men die every day from preventable health issues and one in five men don't reach the age of 65. This week we're being reminded to get regular check-ups and being asked to start conversations with our mates. Sometimes a little nudge from a friend could make all the difference.
9.
What a mighty effort from the Socceroos. After waiting 32 years to return to football's biggest stage, our national team is on its way to a sixth consecutive World Cup. That's an achievement we should all be proud of.
10.
At the other end of the skill and experience scale — but not far off in terms of unbridled enthusiasm, my seven-year-old Anthony and his Kicking Koalas teammates scored a historic and long-awaited breakthrough win in Saturday afternoon Joey Soccer. The boys were delighted, the coach (Anthony's dad) was relieved.
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