Shark cull would be pointless, say experts

Surfers in Gracetwon say they're 'rattled' by the latest fatal shark attack but that won't stop them doing what they love. Footage: Trevor Paddenburg

A white pointer shark being tagged for CSIRO research. Experts believe a shark cull would be pointless, despite recent fatal attacks. Picture: supplied Source: News Limited

SUGGESTIONS of a shark cull in the wake of fatal attacks on both sides of Australia have been dismissed by experts as overemotional and pointless.

After the deaths of Chris Boyd in Western Australia, and Zach Young in Coffs Harbour, calls for a cull of sharks grew louder, with WA Premier Colin Barnett saying he was beginning to favour a harsher line on bigger animals closer to the shore.

But two experts from the University of WA's Oceans Institute say a cull would make little difference to the number of people being attacked every year.

Professor Shaun Collin and Ryan Kempster said there was no evidence a cull would make the sea any safer.

"Pre-emptively killing sharks is a response based on emotion rather than of scientific data," they wrote on theconversation.com website.

"So often the argument in favour of a cull comes down to the emotional question of who is more important: a human or a shark. Rather, we need to ask the question, will culling sharks actually reduce the risk of an attack?

"The answer is no. In fact, when shark culling was carried out in Hawaii, between 1959 to 1976, over 4500 sharks were killed and yet there was no significant decrease in the number of shark bites recorded."

The secret journeys of great whites

Mr Barnett visited the Oceans Institute earlier this year to launch the state government's shark barrier, which was due to be installed at a beach in Dunsborough this summer.

But after it emerged red tape was holding up that installation, two of the institute's experts have directly challenged the premier on his support of destroying sharks that lurk around popular swimming or surfing areas.

Research has shown that the number of shark bite incidents occurring each year appears to be directly related to the length of time people spend in the water, according to a press release from the university.

"Given that Western Australia has the fastest population growth of any Australian state, there is likely to be an increasing number of people venturing out into our coastal waters every year," Professor Collin said.

"Thus, the likelihood of someone encountering a shark increases. "Before suggesting we cull economically and ecologically important shark species, with no scientific assessment of their populations, we need to educate people about the risks involved when entering the ocean." The Oceans Institute is currently testing new methods of shark deterrents using light, sound and walls of bubbles, through funding from the WA Government.

Researchers at UWA will also conduct research into shark numbers in Australia to add to similar studies in Fiji, Borneo and Palau.

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Abbott: Labor is saying 'up yours' to voters

PM Tony Abbott says his government will never allow 'people who come to Australia illegally by boat to gain permanent residency'.

And believe us, NOBODY wants to be stuck in Canberra over Christmas Source: NewsComAu

TONY Abbott today accused Labor of giving voters a two-fingered salute to voters and disregarding their wishes as he ramped up pressure to get his legislation through Parliament.

And he indicated the Government would change Australia's position on refugee conventions overseen by the United Nations.

The Prime Minister said there would be changes announced in the weeks ahead but declined to detail them.

Mr Abbott said the Opposition was telling voters: "No matter what you voted for we are against it. No matter what you want, we are against it."

He told reporters: "The Labor Party is basically giving... two fingers to the people of Australia."

Mr Abbott repeated a warning he gave his own MPs earlier that the Senate would sit until Christmas if that's what it took to pass his legislation on Temporary Protection Visas, repeal carbon pricing and the mining tax, and to increase the debt ceiling.

"The public voted for a change of government. The public voted for a change of policy. The public expects those policies to be put in place," said Mr Abbott.

Labor frontbencher Tony Burke told Sky News said it was an unusual threat to insist "people turn up for work".

"We will be here," said Mr Burke.

The Senate can decide its own sitting schedule and could ignore the timetable proposed by the Prime Minister, and it is doubtful the ALP and the Greens will change their position on the critical legislation identified by Mr Abbott.

The Prime Minister appeared with Immigration Minister Scott Morrison to demand the passage of TPVs and to warn no asylum seekers would settle in Australia.

"This government will never allow people who come here illegally by boat to gain permanent residency in Australia," said Mr Abbott.

"You should not come, because you will not stay."

EARLIER

TONY Abbott today told his troops they will be stuck in Parliament until close to Christmas Eve if Labor doesn't bow to the Government's legislative program.

The Prime Minister said he wanted to "ramp up the pressure" on the Labor Opposition, whom he accused of being in denial.

He wants Labor and the Greens in the Senate to pass laws dismantling carbon pricing, abolishing the mining tax, reintroducing Temporary Protection Visas for asylum seekers and increasing the debt ceiling.

Parliament is scheduled to end the year on Thursday December 12. But Mr Abbott told a regular meeting of Government MPs he would continue sittings the following week and further if necessary to get his program through.

If his legislation was not passed, "we'll just have to do it," he told MPs.

The Prime Minister gave no fixed deadline and there was no indication his back benchers would be enthusiastic about being kept in Canberra for an extra week or more.

It was an upbeat meeting of Government MPs with sustained attacks on the operation of the ABC occupying much of the discussion.

A proposal that dumped Liberal MP Sophie Mirabella be made general manager of the public broadcaster was met with "good natured and hearty" support, according to a Government spokesman.

Mr Abbott said he was "well pleased with the way we have started" government after the September 7 elections, and made no direct mention of a damaging debate over school funding promises and over tactics to halt arrivals by sea of asylum seekers.

Deputy Liberal Leader Julie Bishop, the Foreign Minister, said Labor was in denial about the election result still believed the war between Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard was the reason for their defeat, not poor policies.

The Greens and Labor in the Senate have blocked the introduction of Temporary Protection Visas and Immigration Minister Scott Morrison today accused the parties of honouring a promise to people smugglers.

"What is clear is that the Labor Party has repeated one of their worst mistakes in government," Mr Morrison told ABC radio.

"Over five-and-a-half years ago they abolished temporary protection visas, and in the wake of that over 50,000 people turned up on over 800 boats, including over 8000 children. There were more than 1100 deaths at sea, and over those five-and-a-half years the Labor Party has learnt nothing about their border failures."

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Barnett, Buswell split on light rail

Transport minister Troy Buswell. Picture: file image Source: News Limited

TRANSPORT Minister Troy Buswell has ruled out splitting up the proposed light rail project, even though the Premier said last week other options were being considered.

The differing opinions come after The Sunday Times last month revealed Premier Colin Barnett was concerned about extending the $1.9 billion light rail through the malls on Hay and Murray streets and it could stop short of the CBD.

The Sunday Times was told Mr Barnett met with Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi recently to discuss the line stopping at Kings Square, in the Perth City Link precinct, with future branches of the network being built later.

The Government's light rail election promise is a 22km network that would be built from Mirrabooka to the CBD and then out to the western and eastern suburbs.

The route of the proposed MAX Light Rail Network. Source: Supplied

Ms Scaffidi has publicly criticised the plan to extend the rail through the street malls in the city, saying it would "obliterate" foot traffic and affect heritage landmarks.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell today told Nine News the MAX Light Rail would not be built in separate stages.

"What I'm saying is, that's not currently under consideration," he said outside Parliament.

"My understanding is that the project that has been canvassed with the link from Mirrabooka to the city and then the east-west link through the city effectively from QEII, West Perth, and out to Victoria Park, that is the project that has been developed and is being considered."

Less than a week ago, Mr Barnett said at a press conference that splitting up the light rail project as an option.

"We're looking at the project, and obviously we've got some financial constraints as well," he said.

"The extensions are down to the causeway and maybe ultimately to Curtin University and to the QEII site and the University of WA, that could be split into a separate stage but that decision has not yet been made."

The project was initially due to be finished by 2018, but the time frame blew out to 2019 and could be delayed a further two years after the loss of the state's AAA credit rating.

"The government has said many times that we are reviewing our asset investment program, and the results of that review will be known at the time of the mid-year review which will be released a little later this month," Mr Buswell said.

"We'll go through all of those major investment projects at that time."

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Brothers guilty of body-in-boot murder

Two brothers have been found guilty of murdering a Perth businessman and dumping his plastic-wrapped body in the boot of his car.

Ambrose Clarke, who has been found guilty of murdering Peter Davis. File image Source: News Limited

Xavier Clarke, who has been found guilty of murdering Peter Davis. File image Source: News Limited

Peter Davis' mum Madeline Davis after the verdict. Source: PerthNow

THE mother of murdered Perth businessman Peter Davis says she hopes the men found guilty of killing her son spend the rest of their lives behind bars.

Madeline Davis was speaking moments after a WA Supreme Court jury unanimously found brothers Ambrose and Xavier Clarke guilty of the murdering the 57-year-old.

Mr Davis' body was discovered wrapped in plastic in the boot of his car at the Great Eastern Motor Lodge in May 2011.

The Clarke brothers both denied their part in the crime but were today found guilty of Mr Davis' murder.

They are due to be sentenced on December 17.

Speaking outside court, an emotional Ms Davis said it had been a long two and a half years, and at times, worried what they jury would do, but was relieved they had found the pair guilty.

"I have tried to watch the jury to see what they would think(over the past few weeks). Two hours, that's great. I think they knew," she said.

Asked whether she thought justice had been served, she replied yes.

Mr Davis sustained 52 wounds to his body.

Ms Davis said she hoped the pair would get life.

"I hope they never get out for what they did to Peter," she said.

The photo Jenni Davis carries in her purse to remember her late husband Peter. Picture: Kaitlyn Offer Source: Supplied

After hearing seven weeks of evidence the jury retired yesterday for an hour. They were sent home for the night and resumed early this afternoon.

They deliberated for another two and a half hours before returning the guilty verdict.

Outside court, Peter Davis' wife Jenni Davis said she was glad it was over.

"Justice has been done, I'm just glad with the verdict, everybody's help in this has been amazing," she said.

Mrs Davis said the quick deliberation of the jury showed it was a strong case against Ambrose and Xavier Clarke.

"He (Peter) was a fun happy person and he didn't deserve this," Mrs Davis said.

Peter's sister Coralanne said it had been a hard trial and she felt sorry for the Clarke family too.

"It can't bring my brother back, it's been a very hard trial, it's been very emotional for everyone and I'm so sorry for the other family too, because nobody wins in this situation," she said.

"I hope this doesn't happen to other people's families, please, think about what you are doing, be kind to other people, you can't keep doing this to other people, it ruins lives."

Coralanne said despite the guilty verdict, she could not hate her brother's killers.

"I don't hate them, I believe something higher than us will deal with them, but the families are hurting, all of us," she said.

"There's no right, there's no wrong, there's no good, there's no bad, it's just a horrible situation.

"And I heard so many times 'I'm an ordinary person' but guess what, it can happen to you, because it happened to me and my family.

"Pete and I were very very close growing up. All I've been thinking about is when we were kids and what we used to do, we were so very close and I just don't know where to go from here."

Jenni Davis, the wife of Perth businessman Peter Davis, speaks outside court after two brothers were found guilty of murdering Mr Davis. Picture: Kaitlyn Offer Source: Supplied

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Perth teen latest Bali spiking victim

A teenage girl has returned home from Bali after nearly dying from a cocktail containing methanol she drank while on schoolies

A PERTH student is believed to have become the latest victim of drink poisoning at Bali nightclubs after she fell ill and was hospitalised last week.

Tessa Mettam, 19, from Mindarie was in Kuta with friends and visited the Bounty nightclub when she started to become sick while she was drinking.

She told Seven News she "kept going unconscious" and suffered seizures.

Friends rushed her to hospital and her family suspect she was a victim of methanol poisoning.

She has since been released from the Bali hospital and is now back in Perth.

Ms Mettam's scare came after two teenage girls from NSW celebrating school leavers in Kuta fell sick, also after visiting the Bounty club.

Stephanie Lamb, 17, was poisoned and began coughing up blood, before she fell unconscious. She ended up in the same hospital as 18-year-old Jasmine Baker.

Ms Baker, who was flown from Bali to Royal Darwin Hospital on Friday, has now returned to her NSW Central Coast home, where she will receive further treatment.

Her father Errol Baker credited the early intervention of her friends for saving her life.

"What Jazzy remembers is that she knew she was in trouble and once her friends realised that she lost her eyesight they knew something dangerous was happening," he said today.

"I am just so grateful for a young 17-year-old boy to take the lead and he probably saved my daughter's life."

In a Facebook post he wrote just after his daughter became ill on Thursday night, Errol Baker issued a warning to all schoolies.

He wrote: "Drinks spiked with methanol served at the Bounty last night (in Kuta) and two other smaller bars close by.

"If you feel sick and your eyesight becomes fuzzy or blurred seek medical attention.

"BETTER STILL IF ITS NOT IN A BOTTLE OR CAN DONT DRINK IT."

He said people never really knew how much they loved their children until they were vulnerable, alone and they needed their parents to be there.

The latest incident comes after a Perth teenager died in January, after being poisoned by a methanol-laced cocktail in Indonesia.

Liam Davies, 19, had been celebrating New Year at a local bar in Lombok when he consumed the lethal drink.

He was flown back to Perth but died days later.

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Perth houses hit record $535,000

REIWA President David Airey says sales turnover in WA in October and November has lifted Perth's median house price to $535,000. Source: News Limited

PERTH'S median house price has hit a record $535,000 while the rental market remains in favour of tenants.

Real Estate Institute of WA (REIWA) president David Airey says sales turnover lifted during October and November, following a slump in September, and surpassing the June peak of $525,000.

``The quarterly median for the three months to November was up by almost four per cent and due mainly to the composition of sales during this period after strong first-homebuyer activity pulled the median house price down to $510,000 in the September quarter,'' he said.

More WA Real Estate news

``While first-homebuyer activity is still very evident, there was a solid increase in sales within a 10km radius of the CBD and a softening of activity in outer areas, particularly along the coastal sub-regions north and south of the city.

``This shift in sales composition towards more expensive properties selling pulled the median upwards.''

Data also showed that in some coastal sub regions - such as parts of Wanneroo, Joondalup and Rockingham - there was a slight weakening of sales in November, but it was accompanied by a drop in listings, Mr Airey said.

The number of properties on the market overall continues to recover from below average levels over the past year to reach a peak for this year of 8656 dwellings and 1199 land lots for sale.

Mr Airey said the rental market was still in favour of tenants, with the number of available rentals growing and median rents coming down again.

The median rent in the metropolitan area dropped by just over two per cent over the past three months to $460 - house rents at $470 a week, and units and apartments at $450 a week.

Vacancy remains above average at about 3.2 per cent.

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WA woman in $89m Thalidomide claim

Thalidomide victim, WA artist Monica McGhie outside the Victorian Supreme Court. Source: News Limited

MONICA McGhie's mother didn't even know she was pregnant when she hurt her hand and was given thalidomide to ease the pain.

Months later her daughter was born without arms and legs and she was told the baby would not survive.

The baby was placed in a corner to die.

But she let out a healthy cry and her mother took her home.

Fifty years on, Monica McGhie has her own art studio, has been scuba diving and is an advocate for people with disabilities.

Thalidomide victims Lynette Rowe and WA artist Monica McGhie, rear, outside the Victorian Supreme Court.

She is among more than 100 Australian and New Zealand thalidomide victims to receive compensation from drug company Diageo.

Ms McGhie travelled from Perth to be with her friend Lynette Rowe as lawyer Peter Gordon announced an $89 million settlement with the drug's distributors Diageo in Melbourne today.

``I nearly cried,'' she told reporters.

``I never thought this day would come.''

Ms McGhie said the money will make her life a lot easier and help her stay healthy.

``Life has been a daily struggle for 50 years.

``This settlement will not take that hardship away but it means I can look to the future with more confidence, knowing I can afford the support and care I need.''

She also hopes she may be able to buy a home and take her 86-year-old mother on a cruise.

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'Thank WA' for Gonski deal

WA Education Minister Peter Collier. Source: News Limited

THE rest of Australia should thank Western Australia for standing up to the former Labor government over the Gonski education funding scheme, according to the state's education minister Peter Collier.

Today, Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced a new in-principle agreement with the Northern Territory, Queensland and WA, after those three jurisdictions refused not sign up to Labor's plan before the election.

Mr Abbott's about-face came after days of political wrangling, with the federal government now agreeing to provide $2.8 billion over four years to all the states and territories.

For WA, that will mean a quantum equivalent of $590 million over six years, the final offer put before them by former PM Julia Gillard.

But Mr Collier said every state would now be better off in part because of WA's stance against the previous conditions placed on the funding, which he said would have meant handing over governance of schools to Canberra.

"We stood our ground, we did not go weak at the knees, we stood for what was right in terms of education for the rest of the nation - and the concerns we have articulated have been resolved," Mr Collier said.

"We had our detractors when we decided not to sign up, but our reasons were quite profoundly legitimate. We have (been proven right) and it is a really good day for WA.

"The rest of the nation can look at us and hopefully give us a big vote of thanks, because we have ensured that those requirements that governance and reporting requirements of schools to the federal government are going to be removed."

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Fatal crash constable quits during investigation

Mother Sharon D'Ercole died from multiple injuries when the former officer's car struck her vehicle as he drove through a red light in pursuit of a stolen Audi. Source: News Limited

A CONSTABLE acquitted over a fatal crash that killed Perth mother Sharon D'Ercole during a pursuit has quit the force before the completion of an internal investigation.

Gareth Hopley, 29, was found not guilty by a jury last month of dangerous driving causing the death of Sharon Ann D'Ercole in April last year.

Mrs D'Ercole, 50, died from multiple injuries when the former officer's car struck her vehicle as he drove through a red light in pursuit of a stolen Audi.

A spokeswoman for Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan said he accepted Mr Hopley's letter of resignation last week.

DEVASTATED: Sharon D'Ercole's husband, Ron D'Ercole, with his lawyer Terry Dobson (centre) and forensic crash consultant Bob Davey at the site at the intersection of Morley Drive and Alexander Drive where Sharon was killed in a police pursuit.

"At the time of his resignation, Mr Hopley remained stood down from operational duty pending the outcome of an internal investigation into his conduct,'' she said.

"That investigation has now ceased.''

Mr Hopley previously expressed his condolences to the D'Ercole family in a statement after his acquittal.

NOT GUILTY: Constable Gareth Hopley pictured after being charged by Major Crash and Internal Affairs investigators after the fatal accident.

"This tragic accident will inevitably remain in the hearts and minds of everyone involved forever, myself included,'' he said.

"Not a day goes by that I am not reminded of that fateful day in some form or another.''

In the trial, Mr Hopley denied having ``tunnel vision'' during the chase and testified that he believed Ms D'Ercole was slowing down for him when he hit her.

His lights and sirens were activated at the time, the court heard.

Mr Hopley was emotional while giving evidence as he recounted seeing the injured woman.

He also said his passenger was like a brother to him and he would do anything to keep him and the public safe.

It was not the first time Mr Hopley was involved in a fatal police pursuit.

He was a passenger in a 2008 chase involving unlicensed motorcyclist Matthew Miller, who sped away from police, crashed and died from his injuries.

Mr Hopley was not charged over that incident.

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Firefighters battle Samson blaze

FIRE THREAT: The Department of Fire and Emergency Services have issued a bushfire advice for the fire that was reported at 4.30pm Source: News Limited

RESIDENTS in the City of Fremantle are being warned to stay alert after a fire erupted in Sir Frederick Samson Memorial Reserve.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services have issued a bushfire advice for the fire that was reported at 4.30pm.

People in an area bounded by South Street, North Lake Road, Winterfold Road and Stock Road in Samson are being told to watch for signs of a bushfire, close doors and windows and turn off evaporative airconditioning.

At 6.40pm, the fire was burning in Sir Frederick Samson Memorial Reserve between Sellenger Avenue and McCombe Avenue.

Some roads may be closed as fire crews are on the scene.

Aircraft have been sent to assist ground crews.

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