Rita Saffioti: It’s not often I feel sorry for members of the other side. But I felt for Libby Mettam

1. I’ve seen some heartbreakers in my time as a Dockers supporter, but jeez that one on the weekend hurt. The worst part was you could sense Sydney were coming. Let’s just say there may have been a ban on discussing it in the office on Monday morning. 2. It makes this weekend’s Western Derby all the more interesting with both Fremantle and West Coast desperately needing a win to start the season. We know it will always be a tough contest no matter where either side is sitting on the ladder or their form leading into the match. My pick is Caleb Serong for the Glendinning-Allan Medal. 3. In better sporting news, a great result for the Socceroos on Tuesday night beating China 2-0. Their next game is here in Perth on June 5 against Japan, with another win giving them a great chance to qualify for next year’s World Cup in North America. Let’s get behind them. 4. It’s not often I feel sorry for members of the other side. But I felt for Libby Mettam on Tuesday. She had to stand next to her new leader Basil Zempilas and listen to him talk about party discipline, while he spent his entire time as a candidate undermining her leadership. 5. Another cracker from the same presser. Basil Zempilas said he hoped Libby Mettam saw the value of him being here right now. Some things never change. Basil is all about Basil. 6. There’s nothing like getting back to work and delivering on our commitments. Really pleased to have already implemented the first of our major housing policies this week, with increased stamp duty exemptions and concession thresholds now in effect for first home buyers. It could save Western Australians up to $18,000 on their first home. 7. We’ve also expanded the stamp duty concessions for off-the-plan strata purchases for new apartments and included townhouses for the first time. This helps boost housing density, increase housing choice and provide more options for seniors to downsize. And could save prospective buyers close to $15,000. 8. I’ve been very clear — we should be encouraging people to get involved in local sport. It gets incredibly frustrating hearing stories of people trying to shut down existing activities in their area because of noise. 9. That frustration extends to some local councils who continuously put their own internal politics before the good of their community, delaying important projects. Really disappointing to see the last phase of essential upgrades at the Perth Football Club in Lathlain, which includes women’s change rooms, stalled again by their local council. There’s $14 million on the table from the State and Commonwealth. Let’s get on with it and get it done. 10. Driver training is now underway for the new Metronet Thornlie Cockburn Link. It was awesome to ride along last week and see how it’s looking. This incredible project will be a gamechanger for people in the southern suburbs and very excited for it to open later this year.