Another health chief quits

Another health chief has quit their post in WA. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

THE head of seven major WA public hospitals, including the $2 billion Fiona Stanley Hospital, has quit.

South Metropolitan Health Service chief executive Nicole Feely resigned this week -- in a further blow to public health, following WA Health Department director-general Kim Snowball's resignation in December and departure in March.

This comes amid claims from Government insiders that the cost of the already delayed Fiona Stanley would exceed $2 billion and possibly blow out to "up to $3 billion" by the time it was fully operational in 2015.

Ms Feely's resignation means acting appointees are now in two of public health's top jobs: the WA Health Department director-general and the WA Country Health Service chief executive.

This is because Ms Feely -- whose health service also oversees the Royal Perth and Fremantle hospitals -- has been replaced by former Country Health chief executive Ian Smith, but his role has not been permanently filled.

Acting WA Health Department director-general Bryant Stokes said Ms Feely's resignation would be effective from next Thursday.

"Ms Feely recently decided to return to the east coast for family reasons," he said.

The resignation comes after The Sunday Times and PerthNow revealed last week that Ms Feely had gone on indefinite "extended leave'' two months ago.

Government insiders said a recent "high level health meeting" discussed that the cost of getting FSH fully operational could be "up to $3 billion".

The bureaucrats said costs included "construction, building variations, information technology, fit out, medical equipment, the already-in-place bureaucracy, and paying (private facilities contractor) Serco".

This week's WA Budget papers said: "There is a significant risk that approved expenditure on service reconfiguration and commissioning activities at FSH, including costs under the (Serco) facilities management contract, are under-stated in 2013-14 and 2014-15 (budget figures)."

Health Minister Kim Hames would not rule out that the final cost of the hospital would exceed $2 billion, but rejected claims that it would be up to $3 billion.

"A clear distinction needs to made between the costs of construction, the costs of clinical commissioning, and a hospital's operating costs when commissioned," he said.

He said this week's Budget showed the current approved cost for the ``construction'' of Fiona Stanley and the State Rehabilitation Centre was $1.8 billion.

"This is lower than previously reported approved capital expenditure because components of the original construction budget (e.g. for furniture and fixtures) are now being delivered through the facilities management contract, requiring adjustments to the capital and operating expenditure components of WA Health's budget," he said.

Dr Hames said ``construction'' of Fiona Stanley and the rehabilitation centre would be completed on time and within the budget identified in the 2013/14 Budget Statements.

But Opposition health spokesman Roger Cook said Dr Hames was trying to hide the true cost of getting Fiona Stanley fully operational, by splitting costs between construction and commissioning, and between accounts, such as the privatised Serco contract, when taxpayers would still pay for all of it.

Mr Cook also said Ms Feely's departure and the director-general not yet being replaced showed the mismanagement and lack of stability in public health under Dr Hames and his Government.

The Australian Nursing Federation said the WA Government had to resolve the ongoing director-general vacancy, "or risk long term damage to WA's health system".

Dr Hames also said commissioning the new hospital was a "complex task" and "in recognition of this, $60 million was allocated over 4 years in the 2012/13 Budget to support clinical commissioning and service reconfiguration across South Metropolitan Health Service".

"A component of this funding will also be used to transition services from Princess Margaret Hospital to the New Children's Hospital when completed," he said.

"When operational, Fiona Stanley Hospital and the State Rehabilitation Service will be funded on the basis of the activity they deliver, as is the case with all other metropolitan public hospitals."
 

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The mystery surrounding cabin 5281

Kristen Schroder and Paul Rossington - the couple missing from the Carnival Spirit cruise ship. Source: News Limited

A CAMERA captured the first images even before they'd boarded, the cruise ship's resident photographer snapping cheesy portraits beside the gangway.

As days slipped by aboard the Carnival Spirit, glossy prints multiplied on the onboard gallery shelves. Cuddling on a jetty among grass-skirted locals against the azure backdrop of an island stopover. Posing casually with her brother, sister and parents.

The ship's roving video crew filmed them relaxing in the sought-after sun pods and hammocks of the adult-only Serenity Deck, away from squealing kids wired from abusing their bottomless soft-drink deal.

Slip mystery surrounds missing cruise couple

Security cameras guarding the pokies and roulette wheels captured other vision: a dispute in the casino on the last day at sea, and a retreat to the apricot decor of cabin 5281.

Thermal cameras caught the fuzzy outlines of their falling bodies as they tumbled, separately, from the wooden balcony rail into the fizzing, inky water below.

Paul Rossington and Kristen Schroder - the couple missing from the Carnival Cruise ship.

Many hours later, back at Sydney Harbour, more cameras flashed as police moved methodically among fingerprint dust collecting clues to help explain the mystery of two young lovers forever lost at sea.

THE Fun Times newsletter dropped by a cabin steward on the bed each night - along with a square of chocolate and towels twisted into exotic animal shapes - directs the ebb and flow of life aboard the Carnival Spirit.

Activities range from five-game bingo and arthritis seminars to hairy chest contests and a bawdy hypnotist show.

All guests assemble for a mandatory safety briefing at 5pm the first night, though some barely listen and rush off at the first chance to their balconies or the decks to wave farewell to reality - and get stuck into the food.

Dining options abound. Snags at Fat Jimmy's barbecue. Freshly cooked slices from the 24/7 pizza stand. Ginger ale and plain biscuits for queasy stomachs. Three-course dinners in the Empire room, where spontaneous renditions of the nutbush from cheery staff mask their homesickness after months straight at sea earning money to send home.

Plastic passes carried by each passenger act as room key and credit card, allowing purchases from a coffee to $3000 in casino chips to be charged back to rooms.

Early risers who are not invigorated by the sunrises or yoga sessions can enjoy screwdrivers and bloody Marys before lunch, and $2 blackjack hands from 8am until noon.

Bathers and resort wear are the dominant dress for days by the pool or on shore excursions. Two nights deemed "elegant" see guests don their finest. Another night, guests mingle in white terry-towelling for a "bathrobe bash".

On Caribbean theme night, grown men compete with children to dress as pirates, complete with eye patches and parrots, for prizes.

Guests are as diverse as the cities they come from. New parents on their first getaway with a toddler. A bride in a white gypsy dress, celebrating her nuptials at the early dinner sitting. Retirees on their second marriages and their fourth cruise. Women celebrating recent divorces with scented massages at the day spa. Forty-something school friends on the prowl in the multi-level disco for the few eligible singles aboard. Adult families looking for a cheap and easy way to see the world together.

Kristen Schroder and Paul Rossington - the couple missing from the Carnival Spirit cruise ship.

TWO months before her Pacific Island cruise, Kristen Dennis had chucked in her Sydney real estate career and packed up her beloved pets and belongings to live with Paul Rossington, a paramedic based at Barraba in NSW, near Tamworth.

Since they'd been dating, Kristen, 27, and Paul, 30, had lived apart, with only snatched weekends together when his hectic shiftwork allowed.

She dubbed the March moving date "dream day" and her belongings were barely unpacked when she declared to friends she was happier than ever. "Progress used to mean lower vacancies, less arrears, higher returns," she wrote.

"Now it means ... my amazing man snoozing beside me on the couch. This 'progress' is most important, the progress to peace, comfort, real contentment and happiness. None of the other crap was ever important to me, this is what counts."

Occasionally, Kristen's sunny social media posts darkened.

Two people are believed to have fallen off a cruise ship docked in circular quay - the Carnival Spirit. Picture: Robert Barker

In early January she asked friends if they could recommend a family law solicitor for an opinion, but when pressed for information said it was too personal to discuss.

Her frustration with former husband Matt Schroder was evident back in 2011, as she readied the house for Christmas. The tree was up, and bells on the door. But the man she married in 2007 wasn't there. While Kristen packed for a holiday to Europe, she bemoaned the heavy furniture blocking her from reaching the winter woollies she'd need: "And he is not home again (anyone surprised??) Why am I married to a man who is NEVER around?"

The navy pilot was often posted afar, including a tour to the Persian Gulf.

Guests at their wedding at HMAS Creswell on the shores of Jervis Bay, south of Sydney, remember the unusual cake. A smiling bride sat atop it, with a sailor in dress uniform scaling a ladder up the side, hands outstretched to her.

But the cake was cut long ago, and now, so were their ties. With a divorce and a change back to her maiden name, Kristen was more than ready to move on.

A room believed to be the cabin of Kristen Schroder and Paul Rossington on the Carnival Spirit crusie liner. Picture: Adam Taylor

In January, Paul gave her an impressive ring, which she wore on her middle finger. "Just a little spoilt," she crowed to friends when she showed off the sparkler. She'd given him a promise ring, too. She wanted the world to know how happy they were, and that she loved him "beyond reason".

Paramedic Paul had wrangled time off his intense roster only with the promise to do extra days on his return to the ambulance station where he'd worked almost two years. A passionate surfer and fisherman, he'd been on cruises with his own family before, but was looking forward to spending time with the Dennis clan as he cemented his life with Kristen.

As much as they were anticipating the holiday, animal lover Kristen feared she'd miss their "babies".

The devoted pet owner fretted about leaving the couple's combined menagerie, all rescued from animal shelters - an adult cat, two recently acquired kittens, and three dogs.

The move from the city to Barraba meant Kristen couldn't continue her volunteer "pound round" duties, walking or sometimes just sitting with dogs facing death row. But she continued helping as best she could from her new home, posting frequent social media urgings for others to adopt or foster and give unwanted animals a chance at life.

The day before they left for the cruise, Paul popped home for lunch to cuddle their pets and to offer his opinion on the shoes and formal wear Kristen should pack.

Like most other things, her excitement at the thought of time away with Paul, her mum Roxene and dad Reg, younger brother Aaron and his partner, and pregnant sister Dee and her husband Sascha, spilled on to Facebook: "It's going to be awesome to have the most important people in my world around me for 10 days."

THAT final night, home was tantalisingly close. The Carnival Spirit was in party mode as it sliced through the waters off the NSW coast, about nine hours before the expected arrival back in Sydney. Sauvignon blanc and Jack Daniel's - the most popular drinks aboard - flowed freely.

Throughout the voyage, cruise director Stu Dunn had exhorted passengers to have the time of their lives, a time they'd never forget, and most were. Kristen and Paul - who on land was often the last one to leave a party and the first one up in the morning for a surf - didn't want any more entertainment.

They'd retreated to their cabin after an earlier spat in the casino, skipping dinner with the others. After the sun set, the halo from the ship's lights illuminated the surrounding ocean for about 30 metres. Beyond that glow, the Tasman Sea was black.

Memorial service for Paul Rossington. Picture: Cameron Richardson

Kristen and Paul's balcony cabin was on deck five, at the rear of the ship.

Four decks up, directly above them, chilled-out drinkers were enjoying cocktails, though the darkness limited the 270-degree views.

Down below, on deck three, those seated by the windows for the late sitting at the Empire dining room had finished delicate salmon mains and were contemplating the chocolate melting cake for dessert.

Security staff patrolled the ship, and monitored a bank of CCTV cameras, though at that time of night most attention was focused on high-traffic areas such as the casino and bars. Only later, on recorded footage, did staff see Kristen and Paul's plunge from the ship about 8.50pm, off a wooden balcony rail just wide enough to stand on and about mid-torso high.

One after the other they tumbled, some seconds apart. The position of their cabin meant, with no alarm raised, in less than 30 seconds the ship had passed them by.

A room believed to be the cabin of Kristen Schroder and Paul Rossington on the Carnival Spirit crusie liner. Picture: Adam Taylor

The hunt for them began only after Italian captain Adriano Binacchi's final cheery "ciao ciao" over the loudspeaker. When all other passengers disembarked, the couple's luggage remained uncollected. Checks revealed two passengers hadn't swiped off the ship with their "sail and sign" cards.

What could possibly have happened to them?

By the time an extensive air and sea search started, they'd been missing about 15 hours.

As word leaked out, people puzzled at how two people could tumble and then vanish into the ocean. Were they imitating a scene from the movie Titanic? Was it foul play? A suicide pact? Across the nation, people pondered the most pressing question: could they still be alive?

SARAH Kirby is proof you can fall from a moving cruise ship in the middle of the ocean and survive.

Kristen Schroder and Paul Rossington - the couple missing from the Carnival Spirit cruise ship.

The birthday girl was aboard a Carnival Destiny cruise from Miami to Jamaica in October last year when she drunkenly toppled overboard about midnight. She describes her survival as "an absolute miracle".

The American women fell further than Paul and Kristen - dropping two storeys, hitting a lifeboat, then tumbling five more. Her injuries included fractured bones and ribs, hypothermia, blood clots, and severe bruising. That was the least of her problems. Alone in the black water, she watched, with rising panic, as the ship sped away.

Unable to see lights after a while, she realised she was bleeding into the water, and feared a shark attack was imminent. "Please don't let me die, please don't let something eat me," she whimpered repeatedly.

She swam until she ran out of energy, then floated face-up to catch her breath. Waves crashed into her face, and the more saltwater she swallowed, the more she coughed and threw up.

When they couldn't find her aboard, her friend and partner begged staff to turn the vessel around to find her. They did. Almost two hours after Sarah fell, a crew member in a life boat approached and helped her aboard. After a week in intensive care, and three more weeks in hospital, she was home. Lawyers have filed a lawsuit against Carnival in the US. It is set for trial early next year. But such survival tales are rare.

Memorial service for Paul Rossington - his mother Christeen and his father Richard. Picture: Cameron Richardson

Victorian Trevor Gready knows the flipside of a man overboard. His son Andrew, 24, jumped off the Pacific Sky about 6km off the coast of Queensland on the last night of a cruise with his family in 2005.

Another son, Chris, and other passengers frantically threw chairs, tables and lifebuoys to mark the spot and to give Andrew something to cling to.

Trevor says Chris was so distraught at his brother's plight, he felt an overwhelming urge to jump in.

"He wanted to save him. A family friend stopped him," Trevor says. "It's a good thing, or they would have been trying to find two of them."

He and his wife heard the alarms go off, but didn't realise at first it was for an incident involving their son.

Soon a ship officer knocked on Trevor's cabin door to inform him, assuring "don't worry, we'll get him back". But, though the ship turned around, the rescue bid failed. Trevor says his son, who'd been drinking, had talked throughout the cruise about jumping from an upper deck for an adrenaline rush. "He was a thrill seeker. He'd go and jump off cliffs into the ocean and stuff," he says.

His family remain badly affected by their loss. "None of us have handled it very well," he says. "We miss him every day. The worst part is we never found him. There's no one to bring home."

ON the Carnival Spirit, as cabin stewards did their rounds to make guest cabins feel like home for their final night - turning down beds, switching on soft lamps - Paul and Kristen were in the casino, between the main lobby and a sports bar on deck two. They hadn't had much, if anything, to drink all day and had skipped dinner with the family.

Guests gravitate to the gambling hub, where one of the security supervisors is a dead ringer for rugby league identity Paul "Fatty" Vautin and the croupiers smile between gritted teeth, thinking of the money they're missing because Aussies don't tip as well as Americans.

Staff make a peculiar air-kiss noise to attract attention instead of shouting out. Kristen and Paul weren't quite shouting, but they weren't kissing either as they had a spat on the gaming floor.

Make: CanonModel: Canon EOS-1D XDate/Time: 2013:05:09 16:00:11

Another of the ship's 600 CCTV cameras caught them mucking around as they passed through the heart of the ship, the copper-toned Spirit Atrium with its marble-topped bar, elaborate staircase leading up to the photo gallery, and glass lifts.

Up to level five they went. Down the corridor. Tenth door on the left. They were inside cabin 5281 by about 8.30pm. Only two people truly know what happened in the next 20 minutes.

Though police are preparing a brief for the NSW Coroner, and an inquest might flush out more detail, those who loved Kristen and Paul already know in their hearts the tragic mystery can never really be solved, at least not completely. Facts suggest one of them hit deck three before plunging into the water. Thermal images show a short gap between one and the other tumbling.

Carnival Australia says nothing is more important than the safety of guests and crew, and that the company consistently exceeds regulatory requirements and actively pursues further safety improvements.

The families speculate that she climbed up on the balcony rail for innocent reasons, lost her grip and slipped overboard. They believe that, instinctively and immediately, Paul jumped in to save her - half-brave, half-crazy but devoted to her safety and happiness until his last breath.

Two people are believed to have fallen off a cruise ship docked in circular quay - the Carnival Spirit. Picture: Robert Barker

For all the speculation, so many questions remain. United in grief, two families console themselves that two souls so devoted to each other, and so committed to protecting and rescuing, had each other for company in the swirling sea.

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Bondi Vet collapses in City2Surf drama

Bondi Vet Dr Chris Brown needed medical assistance after collapsing during the City2Surf. Source: Supplied

CELEBRITY TV vet Chris Brown is recovering after collapsing during the City2Surf run in Sydney.

Dr Brown, or The Bondi Vet as he is known from the popular TV show of the same name, was one of seven people transported to hospital after the annual fun run from Hyde Park to Bondi.

Dr Brown said he required medical assistance at the 12km mark of the 14km race.

He was treated by first aid officers on site and taken to St Vincent's Hospital for observation.

Dr Brown, who was running to raise money for the Westpac rescue helicopter, said he had been suffering from a respiratory virus and wasn't feeling "100 per cent''.

"In hindsight, I shouldn't have participated in today's race,'' he said in the statement.

"By the 12km mark I was feeling very unwell and sought assistance. I was taken to hospital for observation.''

He had since returned home and was feeling "much better'', he said.

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Fury over power bill shock

PerthNow and Sunday Times readers have vented their anger as it was revealed that electricity bills could reach an average of $2000 a year by 2016. Picture: Thinkstock Source: The Courier-Mail

PERTH residents have vented outrage that their power bills will increase to an average of $2000 within three years.

The Sunday Times today revealed families will be slugged an average of $2000 a year for electricity by 2016.

Have your say – how will the electricity price increases affect you?

State Budget papers reveal yearly "approved increases" of 7 per cent for electricity prices from 2014 through to at least 2016-17. They have already gone up 4 per cent this year.

This will take the average annual family power bill from $963 to $1998 under Mr Barnett's reign, despite his promise during the March state election campaign to keep electricity prices "at or around the rate of inflation"  which is now 2.5 per cent.

PerthNow readers were outraged, voicing their comments this morning.

"Well it is about time the people of Perth show some kind of public voice about electricity prices," Andrew Jones commented. "Enough is enough and any government should be able to manage the cost of electricity better than what we see in this state."

Commenter Another rip off said the increases was one of the reasons they were 'leaving Perth'.

"What about when the electricity goes out because it rains heavy or when the poles catch fire because of the old and out of date why the electric is supplies to houses? Nothing is being done about improving electricity supplies."

Some commenters, however, disagreed saying the increases were necessary.

"Electricity is still far too cheap. Consequently we continue to build absurdly energy inefficient and oversized homes," Poiter posted.

"The fact is we take electricity for granted, like other services our government provides. The government has to balance its books to provide services for all," Jack Frost of Perth said.

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Economy dominates leadership debate

THE first showdown of the election campaign was dominated by the state of the economy, Labor's GST scare campaign and a decision on a second airport for Sydney.

Laying out his pitch to the electorate, Kevin Rudd appealed for three more years to show ''new way" while Tony Abbott spoke directly to voters on the economy and border protection.

At the debate at the National Press Club in Canberra,  the Prime Minister made a pitch to young voters and then moved straight to economic management.

He said Labor had kept interests rates low, had abolished Work Choices, had introduced DisabilityCare and the NBN and he said there was more to be done.

Mr Rudd warned the mining boom was over but said Labor could deliver a bright new future and "a new way of positive politics in this country."

In a bid to turn the first leader's debate in favour of the government, he also pledged a vote on gay marriage with Labor MPs to act according to their conscience

Tony Abbott and Kevin Rudd have  faced off in the first federal election debate. Picture: Stefan Postles

Mr Abbott said the Coalition party room would reconsider its position on gay marriage after the election.

On a controversial note, Mr Rudd was accused of breaching the rules by reading notes.

The debate's moderator, Sky News political editor David Speers, revealed following the debate that Mr Rudd had used the notes and that was not allowed.

According to the rules issued by the National Press Club on Friday, both Mr Abbott and Mr Rudd were prohibited from having the help with their memory.

"The leaders may have a pen and paper on the lectern and no other documentation or props,'' the rules stated.

The National Press Club of Australia Leaders' Debate

In the debate wrap up following, Speers said: "Kevin Rudd had notes. That wasn't allowed under the rules.''

Labor figure Graham Richardson said: "If I was Kevin Rudd, I would sack whoever wrote them."

Looking down the camera lens during the debate, Mr Abbott appealed directly to voters, telling them under a Coalition government the carbon tax would be scrapped, with compensation and tax cuts to stay, and boats arrivals would be stemmed.

"We can make your life better," he said.

He promised he would "make a decision" in his first term, if he won the election, on a second airport for Sydney but said the existing gateway to the city could be used more efficiently.

The National Press Club of Australia Leaders' Debate

Mr Rudd did not match the pledge.

Mr Abbott said a Coalition government would not raise the GST, could ease cost of living pressures and protect jobs and he listed infrastructure projects he has promised to help fund.

They included funding for the West Connex in Sydney, the East West Link in Melbourne, duplication of the Pacific Highway and an upgrade of the Bruce Highway in Queensland.

He focused on government failures throughout the debate, including the disastrous home insulation scheme which was linked to four deaths, the boat influx and 1000 deaths at sea, the NBN blowing its budget and the carbon price forecast of $38 a tonne by 2020.

The National Press Club of Australia Leaders' Debate

"Mr Rudd talks about a new way, well if you want a new way you have got to choose a new government," he said.

One of Mr Rudd's weakest points was when he was questioned on why Labor's spending is higher than under the Howard Government and over forecasts tens of thousands of people are will lose their jobs over coming months as unemployment rises.

Mr Rudd responded that the government had staved off recession during the Global Financial Crisis and created around one million jobs.

Mr Abbott's point of weakness emerged over how the Coalition will pay for its promises with Labor claiming there was a $70 billion black hole - a claim Mr Abbott called a "fantasy."

He did not articulate last night what cuts would be made to fulfil spending promises but said there had been "an enormous amount of waste over the past six years" and that the Coalition had already identified $17 billion in savings, which includes the axing of the Schoolkids bonus.

Debate erupted over the GST with Mr Rudd claiming it was "legitimate to raise questions about the future of the GST" in light of the Coalition's promises and a tax review the Opposition planned if it won government.

"The GST doesn't change under the Coalition," Mr Abbott shot back."The people watching this deserve better than a scare campaign from the Prime Minister of this country."

RELIVE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DEBATE ON OUR BLOG

He said the campaign over the GST was "a little embarrassing to have the Prime Minister of this country, who had three years in power himself, he voted for the carbon tax...he was part of the surplus that never happened."

When asked if he had said the mining boom was coming to an end to cover over the budget problems after the government revealed a $30.1 billion deficit this financial year, Mr Rudd said the mining boom investment phase "was coming to a close."

Mr Abbott described Mr Rudd's explanation for his rhetoric as "waffle" and claimed if the boom was over it was because Labor had "killed it" with the mining tax and red tape.

The two leaders managed to agree on the debate format after weeks of argy bargy about the details.

Mr Rudd's first challenge was issued in the press conference he held after snatching back the Prime Ministership, but Mr Abbott always insisted any debate should be held during the campaign proper.

The debate was moderated by Sky News presenter David Speers and questions asked by a panel of journalists from the ABC, Fairfax and News Corp Australia.

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Who is at the top of Perth's A-list?

John and Margarita Hughes are a must-have for any big Perth event. Picture: Alf Sorbello Source: PerthNow

JUST 25 invitations are the difference between a bona fide Perth party and an awkward fizzer.

And the names at the top of the A-list pecking order may surprise some readers.

Perth's top 25 A-listers in pictures

According to top fashion event organiser Jacqui Brown, the No.1 guest isn't a soap star or a singer.

And, though she is always decked out in the latest must-have garb, she's not a fashion designer either.

Instead, she's the wife of a car king.

The always-effervescent Margarita Hughes - with her husband John - is the must-have at any big event, says Ms Brown.

"Due to the economy being the way it is, the people on the guest list need to end up being beneficial for the client," she said.

"(Ms Hughes) is obviously going to be invited to every hot event in town.

 "So when she's at your event, compared with someone else's, it means that every other guest in the room will see the event as that little bit more credible because she's chosen to attend."

Ms Brown said that in today's economic climate events had to translate into sales.

After a week of big events  from the launch of the Perth Fashion Festival program on Tuesday to StyleAid on Friday, the state's premier event planners told The Sunday Times their secrets for the perfect guest list.

Ms Brown said bloggers were popular guests until a few years ago, when event organisers realised many of them had no real influence.

Marketing and communications expert Nicola Bedwood is responsible for the guest list at the coveted Ronald McDonald House Charities Mercedes-Benz Ball on November 2.

"I look for the people who will be receptive to the cause, who may be able to contribute in some way," she said. "The quality of the guest is more important than their celebrity."

Publicist Caitlin Irving said she wanted potential future customers on the A-list at shop, bar or restaurant openings.

 "It's not enough to just be good looking or well-known  we want people who are interested and interesting," she said.

Perth PR stalwart Rosita Stangl said just because somebody was rich didn't mean they were A-list.

Melissa Lekias, who runs PR firm Magenta, said the guest list was one of the most critical factors.

"Whether it is their personality or the way they dress or that they just know how to work the room - having a couple of special guests adds a dimension that makes it memorable for everyone," she said.

Perth's Top 25 A-listers (in no particular order):

WA car king John Hughes and his wife Margarita

Property mogul Nigel Satterley and his wife Denise

Business woman Emma Milner and husband Peter

WA Governor Malcolm McCusker and wife Tonya

Iron ore magnate Andrew Forrest and wife Nicola.

Businessman Warwick Hemsley and Minister for International Development Melissa Parke.

Perth property developer and businesswoman Rhonda Wyllie and former Nine Network managing director Jeff Browne

SMS technology entrepreneur Zhenya Tsvetnenko and his fashionista wife Lydia

Crown casino boss Barry Felstead and his wife Katrina

Mining magnate Chris Ellison and his wife and Tia.

Cricket legend Adam Gilchrist and his wife Mel

Melissa Karlson - The daughter of Rhonda Wyllie

West Coast eagles star Chris Masten and model Emmi Moore

West Coast Eagles player Sam Butler and his wife fashion label owner Natasha

Fashion illustrator Pip McManus - fashion illustrator

Channel Nine weather presenter Sally Ayhan

West Coast Eagles ruckman Nic Naitanui

West Coast Eagles Ruckman Dean Cox and his wife Kerry

Fremantle Dockers captain Matthew Pavlich and his wife Lauren

Weather presenter Angela Tsun and Western Force rugby player Patrick Dellit

Media personality Basil Zempilas and his wife, blogger Amy Zempilas

Ten newsreader Narelda Jacobs and partner Lauren Swinfield

Businessman Kim Ledger and his wife Ines - Kim is the father of the late actor Heath Ledger

Blogger and restaurant owner Rayne Embley and West Coast Eagles player Andrew Embley.

Wheels and Dollbaby founder Melanie Greensmith and Divinyls guitarist Mark McIntyre.
 

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Compo blocked for abuse victims

Michael Hilder is one of Dennis John McKenna's victims who has been left high and dry. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

NINE former schoolboys who were sexually abused by WA's worst paedophile while boarding at a state-run hostel in Katanning will have their compensation claims blocked by the Barnett Government.

Despite the victims believing Premier Colin Barnett encouraged them to seek civil compensation when he told Parliament there would be no "limitation" on seeking damages, The Sunday Times can reveal the victims have been warned by Attorney-General Michael Mischin that any attempts to sue would be thwarted because too much time has passed since the crimes were committed.

The nine former students, who were boarders at St Andrew's Hostel during warden and serial paedophile Dennis McKenna's reign of terror, are seeking civil damages through Bradley Bayly Legal for personal injuries arising out of sexual abuse they suffered between 1975-1990. Their evidence was pivotal to the Blaxell Report into systemic child sex abuse at state-run boarding hostels, which was tabled in Parliament in November last year.

An ex-gratia scheme set up by the Barnett Government offered up to $45,000 for children who were abused while under the care of the Country High School Hostels Authority.

Mr Barnett conceded that money was not adequate compensation.

"If people receive an ex-gratia payment, there is no limitation on them proceeding to seek civil damages, so there is no caveat attached to that," he told Parliament at the time.

But The Sunday Times has been provided with correspondence between the Attorney-General and Bradley Bayly Legal by the victims, which reveals that if the victims start proceedings then Mr Mischin will apply to the court to have the matters struck out.

"I will not give an undertaking, on behalf of the state not to plead a limitation defence in respect of any claims brought on behalf of your clients, nor would I recommend that any statutory body corporate waive any relevant limitations provisions if a claim were to be made against them," Mr Mischin wrote on July 22.

The victims' legal team claims Mr Mischin is wrong and that the six-year limitation period in this case could and should be waived, especially given that the six-year period would have expired before some of the victims turned 18.

Mr Mischin said the reluctance to waive limitations provisions arose from a number of policy factors recognising that lengthy time lapses between crimes and compensation increased the likelihood of miscarriages of justice and "carries with it significant direct and indirect costs".

Last night Mr Mischin told The Sunday Times that Mr Barnett's comments in Parliament had been taken out of context by the victims.

"This comment was in the context that under the original version of Redress WA, which was announced on 17 December 2007, applicants who accepted an ex-gratia payment from Redress WA were required to waive their right to take any further action against the State Government with respect to the abuse or neglect described in their application," he said.

"The Premier's comment in Parliament was not to the effect that there were no limitations issues (under the Limitation Act or the Crown Suits Act) affecting any civil claims by Mr McKenna's victims." The victims' legal team will seek to meet Mr Barnett in light of his comments that there was "no caveat attached" to civil proceedings.

A Bradley Bayly Legal spokesman, who declined to be named, said it would be a pointless and potentially expensive exercise to take the matter to court if the Attorney-General maintained his position.

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E-licence debacle prompts review

Serial drink-driving offender Mitchell William Walsh-McDonald received an extraordinary licence. Picture: Lincoln Baker Source: PerthNow

AN "urgent review" of the state's extraordinary-licence scheme has been called after revelations the Department of Transport did not oppose an application last year by serial drink-driver Mitchell Walsh-McDonald.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell told The Sunday Times last week that Walsh-McDonald's application in September was "opposed" by his department, but "the court made the decision it should be granted".

But Mr Buswell has been left red-faced by audio from the September 27 court hearing showing that the department not only did not oppose the E-licence, it gave the court reasons why it should be granted.

"This is a difficult application to assess," a lawyer for the department told the court.

"It is no secret that he has an absolutely woeful traffic record, including drink-driving and the fact that he can't comply with court orders.

"(But) it has to be acknowledged the last offence was something like two plus years ago, so I guess he can be given some credit compared to the rest of the record."

The lawyer said there were two factors that suggested Walsh-McDonald "can be trusted to comply with the conditions of an extraordinary driver's licence"  first, that it had been 2 1/2 years since his last offence and, second, that he was then in a "stabilising" domestic relationship.

Magistrate Paul Roth responded: "On the basis that whilst the (department) director-general does have substantial hesitancy about granting the extraordinary driver's licence, the director-general doesn't necessarily object to it, he's not consenting or agreeing to it, but not necessarily objecting to it either. I consider it is appropriate to grant the extraordinary driver's licence."

He added: "You so much as spit in the street I'm going to pull this licence off you."

This week Walsh-McDonald, 29, was convicted of his seventh drink-driving offence and two breaches of his extraordinary licence. His court appearance was on the 10th anniversary of the death of schoolgirl Jess Meehan, who died two days after he hit her while driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.165. He was fined $2850, his extraordinary licence was cancelled and he was banned from driving for two years.

Mr Buswell has conceded the department "did not do enough to oppose" Walsh-McDonald's E-licence application.

"I do not direct the day-to-day operations of the department, but I do believe the department should have strongly opposed the application," he said.

"I have requested that the department urgently review its handling of the Walsh-McDonald case, and EDL applications in general."

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Power bills to hit an average of $2000 a year

Electricity prices are set to hit record highs. Picture: Thinkstock Source: The Courier-Mail

FAMILIES will be slugged an average of $2000 a year for electricity by 2016.

Budget papers reveal yearly "approved increases" of 7 per cent for electricity prices from 2014 through to at least 2016-17. They have already gone up 4 per cent this year.

This will take the average annual family power bill from $963 to $1998 under Mr Barnett's reign, despite his promise during the March state election campaign to keep electricity prices "at or around the rate of inflation"  which is now 2.5 per cent.

Meanwhile, according to the Clean Energy Council, more than 75,000 households targeted by the Barnett Government's solar-panel backtrack will lose up to $800 a year. The average loss would be $240.

Treasurer Troy Buswell announced in the Budget on Thursday that the solar feed-in payment would be cut from 40c to 30c a kilowatt from October 1 and to 20c in 2014.

Opposition Leader Mark McGowan said the 7 per cent electricity rises were a clear breach of Mr Barnett's election promise.

"This is a doubling of the average household's power bill at a time when Mr Barnett is increasing costs across the board and increasing taxes," Mr McGowan said.

Mr Buswell said on Thursday that state debt  $3.6 billion in 2008  was heading towards the $30 billion mark.

Mr Barnett has argued previously he had to raise electricity prices because a 10-year freeze on tariffs during the former Labor government's reign had meant revenues were well below the cost of electricity production and supply.

"Despite these increases, the majority of non-contestable electricity tariffs are still below the cost of production and supply," the Budget papers say.

Lesmurdie couple Jason Laffrey and Sarah Dalby installed a 2kW system in 2011 to take advantage of the 40c/kWh feed-in payment. Ms Dalby said the decision to slash the rate by half was "nothing short of outrageous".

"I really want people to fight this," the mother-of-one said.

A spokesman from the Treasurer's office said the forecast electricity tariff increases "are assumptions (forecasts) that assist in framing the Budget".

"As per every upcoming Budget process the Government will make decisions regarding electricity/water tariffs and therefore these assumptions are subject to change," the spokesperson said.

"For example, last year in the same document a 5 per cent increase in electricity tariffs was forecast, whereas it only went up 4 per cent."

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Rudd boots abusive Labor candidates

Kevin Rudd in Tasmania for day six of the campaign. Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited

PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd has dumped two Labor candidates, including a man who abused a woman in a wheelchair.

Mr Rudd demanded the resignations of Geoff Lake, the candidate for Victorian seat of Hotham, and Queensland candidate for Kennedy, Ken Robertson.

The Herald Sun revealed on Saturday that Mr Lake had been forced to apologise to fellow Monash councillor Kathy Magee in 2002 for calling her a slut at a council meeting.

Mr Rudd said he had asked the ALP national secretary to report on the allegations against Mr Lake from his previous career in local government - particularly his conduct toward fellow councillors.

He said in a statement it was "inappropriate for Mr Lake to continue as the endorsed Labor candidate for Hotham.''

"The National Secretary has informed me that he is not satisfied that there has been full disclosure about these previous matters,'' he said.

"I cannot be confident that he has met the standards I would expect and demand from members of the federal parliamentary Labor Party.''

Mr Lake did not reply to calls. He resigned after the Sunday Herald Sun approached Labor HQ at 8pm with allegations ALP campaign officials had improperly used retiring member Simon Crean's printing entitlement to distribute election material in the seat.

ALP secretary George Wright said he was concerned by the allegations.

The Sunday Herald Sun has copies of material distributed in Mr Lake's name that included reply paid envelopes funded by Mr Crean's office.

Mr Robertson, who was standing for the Queensland seat of Kennedy, confirmed he had withdrawn his candidacy after calling Opposition Leader Tony Abbott "racist' and a bigot in an interview last week.

"Yes, it's true. It was my decision,'' Mr Robertson told the Sunday Herald Sun.

"All I've got to say is, I made an apology for what was said and my comments were not meant to be greater than what they were. I have nothing further to say about what happened.''

"But I will be supporting the Labor Party and Kevin (Rudd) until my last breath."

Of the electorate he had hoped to represent he said: "They have to help return a Labor candidate to this seat.''

Fadden MP and Coalition frontbencher Stuart Robert had called on Mr Rudd to sack Mr Robertson for breaking with the ALP's promised "positive" approach.

The ALP now faces a scramble to find suitable candidates for the key seats. Mr Lake had been considered almost certain to retain the seat of Hotham for Labor, which retiring veteran Simon Crean holds with a margin of more than 14 per cent.

Geoff Lake, who is running for the Labor safe seat of Hotham, has admitted he offered an apology to a fellow Monash councillor over a 2002 exchange. Source: News Limited

Mr Lake, a lawyer chosen to run to replace Simon Crean in the prized seat of Hotham, admitted he offered a signed apology to fellow Monash councillor Kathy Magee over a 2002 exchange.

"I leant over to Councillor Magee and ... said, "I can't believe what you did you f------ b---h. You are a f ------ for doing that," Mr Lake confirms in papers.

Documents lodged with the Victorian Equal Opportunity Commission included an admission that his conduct had been "demeaning and degrading", and offensive to women.

Mr Lake said he deeply regretted his remarks.

"It was 's---t' or 'b----'. It was inappropriate," he told the Herald Sun.

"I learned an important lesson that day.

Ex-councillor Kathy Magee remains offended by Mr Lake's comments. Picture: Tony Gough Source: News Limited

"I was a young mayor and I got angry one night and I spoke to her in angry way, which I acknowledged then and I acknowledge now."

Mr Lake won preselection for the former Labor leader's seat after a bitter contest.

He was backed by Mr Crean and former Victorian Labor premier Steve Bracks.

Ten years on, Ms Magee has not forgiven or forgotten.

"When someone calls you a s---, it tends to be offensive," she told the Herald Sun.

"I had never had someone call me that before. You just don't talk to a colleague like that. He was definitely an interesting person."

Ms Magee also claimed Mr Lake tried to charge drinks and brunch to her hotel account at a council conference.

Labor candidate Ken Robertson said he hoped Australia "never has to suffer (Tony Abbott's) Catholicism". Source: News Limited

Mr Lake denied this, but confirmed he did refund Ms Magee the disputed money.

"That was not me," he said.

"She said she was $30 out of pocket and I said, 'Look, Kathy, let's not have these disagreements. Here's $30, and let's move on."

Documents also reveal that in 2003 another fellow councillor, Tom Morrissey, accused Mr Lake of stalking him, and sought an intervention order.

In an application to the Magistrates' Court, Mr Morrissey, who has since died, said Mr Lake distributed his mobile number, alleging he had travelled at ratepayers' expense, which prompted dozens of abusive calls.

And he accused Mr Lake of parking a car at his business with placards repeating the claims.

- with Patrick Lion

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