‘She knew she was carrying drugs’

In an exclusive interview with Renae Lawrence from Denpasar, Lawrence admitted that Schappelle Corby had told her that she had smuggled drugs into Bail on numerous occasions. Courtesy: TEN Eyewitness News

Renae Lawrence has spoken out from Bali's Kerobokan Jail, alleging former inmate Schapelle Corby confessed to her. Source: News Limited

CONVICTED drug smuggler Renae Lawrence has delivered a startling confession from inside Bali's Kerobokan Prison, saying that former friend Schapelle Corby "knew" she was carrying drugs into the country.

In a secretly filmed video obtained by Network Ten and played in part on tonight's Eyewitness News, Lawrence can be seen talking to a person off camera.

"[Schapelle] did a good job of keeping her secrets. She let one slip one night," she said.

Lawrence, who spent eight years behind bars with Corby and is still serving her drug smuggling sentence, said she "wasn't really sure" why Corby had confessed to her.

"She said that she knew the marijuana was in the boogie bag, but the person who was supposed to be there at the airport at that time didn't show up for work, or couldn't be there for some strange reason, I'm not sure," she said.

"She told me and another prisoner that she'd done it more than this time. She'd got away with it before. She said she'd brought the drugs three times. The first time she didn't know anything until she got to the airport, but the other times she knew."

"She said she'd used [drugs] since she was a teenager."

Schapelle Corby parole decision reviewed

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Schapelle released from Bali jail after nine years

Lawrence also asserts that Ms Corby consciously "…acted crazy, she actually said it herself, she played crazy so she would get more sympathy and hopefully time off from [inaudible] the President of Indonesia."

"She put on more of an act when someone important came in like the doctor or the jail boss. She wasn't crazy, she just acted like it."

Schapelle Corby visiting her parole officer in Bali this week. Source: News Limited

Lawrence also clarified the misconception that she and Corby didn't get along.

"We weren't enemies like…the media said. We were actually friends most times. Sometimes we'd have arguments but that was because people would speak about us and it wasn't true."

Ten's Eyewitness News stated that Lawrence had been unaware she was being filmed at the time of the discussion, but having been made aware of the tape's existence, had reportedly said she stands by her comments. The initial video comes as part of a larger interview with Lawrence that it is believed Lawrence was paid for.

The Corby family have released a statement denying Lawrence's allegations which reads, in part:

"Schapelle denies ever making any such confession to Renae Lawrence or to anyone else. The further claims by Renae Lawrence that Schapelle had done so on many occasions are preposterous, maliciously false and a creation of her own fantasy.The actions of the Ten Network in procuring and presumably paying for this interview, are extremely hurtful and are causing Schapelle and our family great anxiety and distress.

"The credibility of Renae Lawrence should be seriously questioned and unsubstantiated allegations should not be made simply for the sake of ratings and money."

The Lawrence interview has raised questions of whether Lawrence received money for the interview from Ten and, if so, if she could be in breach of Australian Proceeds of Crime Laws which prevent payments to criminals.

Yesterday, a Senate inquiry in Canberra heard evidence about the Seven Network's dealings with the Corby family.

Commercial director Bruce McWilliam said the company had suffered damage to its corporate image and that AFP search warrants were executed in an aggressive manner, involving more than 30 armed police.

Lawrence and Corby became close friends during their time in prison together. Source: Supplied

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Beating the public housing odds

Helen Humes is a grandmother and has purchased her first home, after living in public housing for 36 years. Here she's photographed with her niece Shauanna Humes-Smith, Picture: Marie Nirme Source: News Limited

IT didn't take long for Helen Humes to realise the odds were stacked against her when she moved into a Balga housing project in the 1970s.

She was a single woman with an infant. And she was indigenous.

"I really felt it was a kind of privilege to be given a home, but I knew then that here I was, a young Aboriginal woman with a child, a single mum, all the stigma and negative stereotypes would be attached to me,'' Ms Humes said.

"And they were, for a while. But I showed them that we're no different to them.''

Ms Humes has spent the past 40 years on the front lines of WA's public housing system.

Now a grandmother of three, she has just bought her own home in Koondoola in Perth's northeastern suburbs.

It's a modest place, with three bedrooms and a tin roof.

But it's proof West Australians can live through the public housing system and become homeowners.

"I never, ever thought I'd own my own house,'' she told The Sunday Times. "But the main thing was to set an example for my son, and my nephews and nieces.''

Ms Humes called the Balga property her home for eight years. Mostly made up of single parents and migrants, the group of Wanneroo Rd townhouses was often filled with the laughter of children playing together. But crime, racism and anti-social behaviour were also prevalent.

"Balga at the time was really quite scary,'' she said. "There was a lot of crime. And it was nothing for the police to just cruise past, want to know who you are, what you were doing, ask, 'Have you got ID?'.

Helen Humes outside her house in Koondoola. Picture: Marie Nirme Source: News Limited

"We saw different migrants moving through the place. I lived next door to an Armenian family, and they suffered a lot more abuse than we did. As a child, I grew up with racism, and then to see that directed at another ethnic group, I was shocked.''

Ms Humes and her son Petrus then moved to a cramped two-bedroom home in Nollamara, where Ms Humes also cared for two of her nieces.

Towards the end of the 1980s, Ms Humes was offered a new three-bedroom house in Mirrabooka. She moved in with seven children under the age of 10.

"At the time, I had the care of my son, my two nieces, and my brother's three children, as well as a friend's daughter,'' she said. "I just don't know how I did it."

Ms Humes spent 26 years in that house. She brought her son up and saw him have children of his own. She cared for relative's children as well as her parents. She also started her masters degree in social work. And she found a job working as a child cultural development adviser at Djoorminda Centrecare.

The job meant she was over-income and no longer eligible for public housing.

Assistance from Indigenous Business Australia and the Department of Housing's Housing Pathways unit helped Ms Humes buy a three-bedroom Koondoola home at the end of last year at age 56.

"I had to really convince myself that I could do it, that I wasn't helpless,'' she said.

Department of Housing service delivery general manager Steve Parry said there were about 69,000 people living in public housing across WA. There are more than 43,000 people on the Department of Housing accommodation waitlist.

He said the Housing Transitions Team, which was introduced in 2012, has helped 179 former public housing tenants transition into affordable housing, including community housing, rentals and home ownership.

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MH370: ‘Our most promising lead’

Angus Houston confirms the Ocean Shield has detected signals consistent with aircraft black boxes, showing reporters the key area on a map.

IN A major development in the search for MH370, Angus Houston has confirmed the Ocean Shield has detected signals consistent with aircraft black boxes, describing the lead as the most promising yet.

Air Chief Marshal Houston called the development significant, saying "this is the most promising lead, probably in the search so far, it's probably the best information we've had".

The search coordinator told reporters more signals have been detected by a towed pinger locator deployed by the Australian vessel Ocean Shield.

"Today, I can report some very encouraging information which has unfolded over the last 24 hours," he told reporters in Perth.

Retired Air Chief Marshall Angus Houston has decribed the development as the most significant yet.

Air Chief Marshal Houston said the signals are "consistent with those emitted by aircraft black boxes."

The towed pinger locator on the deck of the Australian vessel Ocean Shield. Source: Supplied

"Two separate signal detections have occurred within the northern part of the defined search area."

The first was held for more than two hours, the second for about 13 minutes.

"On this occasion, two distinct pinger returns were audible."

He said both would be consistent with transmissions from the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder.

This map shows the new search zone in the hunt for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. Source: News Corp Australia

Air Chief Marshal Houston described the find as "the most promising lead" yet.

"We haven't found the aircraft yet," he stressed, arguing further confirmation is needed.

Air Chief Marshal Houston said the position of the signals would need to be fixed before an autonomous underwater vehicle 'Blue Fin 21' could be deployed to locate wreckage.

"The area in which the signals have been received has a depth of approximately 4,500 metres," he warned, adding it is also the "limit of capability of the autonomous underwater vehicle."

A crew member reads through his notes onboard a RNZAF P3 Orion. Source: AFP

He further argued it could take time to establish with certainty if the detections are from MH370.

"You're right, the life of the batteries must be getting somewhere close to the end of life," he admitted, when asked about the black box.

"We're already one day past the advertised shelf life. We hope that it keeps going for a little bit longer," he said.

HMS ECHO ENTERS SEARCH ZONE

CNN reports that British navy ship HMS Echo has entered the zone where Chinese patrol vessel Haixun 01 picked up two underwater signals only two kilometres apart.

The Australian vessel Ocean Shield is expected to reach the search area later today or tomorrow.

Both the Ocean Shield and HMS Echo have deep-sea listening equipment.

A Royal Australian Navy Seahawk searches for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.i Source: AFP

Twelve aircraft and 14 ships will be part of today's search effort, covering an area of approximately 234,000 square kilometres.

Weather is predicted to be good, with afternoon showers not expected to affect the search.

SEARCH: MH370 'flew around Indonesian airspace'

THEORY: Did MH370 fly to Diego Garcia?

CNN is also reporting that Flight MH370 may have flown around Indonesian airspace on the night it disappeared, in what may have been a deliberate attempt to avoid radar detection.

In this image taken from video, a member of a Chinese search team uses an instrument to detect electronic pulses while searching for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. Source: AP

A senior Malaysian government source said the missing jet made the detour after it had left the range of Malaysian military radar.

Hopes of breakthrough ... Chinese vessel the Haixun 01 detected the signal hours after it picked up an initial pulse signal. Source: AFP Source: AFP

CHALLENGE OF THE SEARCH

IT will be "incredibly challenging" to retrieve MH370's black box from a stretch of Indian Ocean where a Chinese vessel may have finally located the missing airliner.

The section of ocean, about 2000km northwest of Perth, in which the Haixun 01 has picked up two possible signals from the black box of the missing Boeing 777-200ER is about 4500m deep.

If the signals are proven to be from the airliner Air Chief Marshal Houston said it would be "very demanding" to retrieve the black box recorder and other wreckage.

"The water in which the Haixun 01 is working at the moment is very, very deep," he said.

New leads ... an Australian Air Force Orion plane taking off from Pearce Airbase in Bullsbrook, 35 km north of Perth. Picture: Tony Ashby Source: AFP

"I think it is in the order of 4500m and that is incredibly deep. Any recovery operation is going to be incredibly challenging and very demanding and will take a long period of time," he said.

According to James Cook University marine geologist Dr Robin Beaman, the search area forms part of the Perth Abyssal Plain — a vast stretch of flat, muddy ocean bottom.

It lies about 60km east of the Brouwer Trough, an ocean trench that drops as low as 5000m below sea-level.

While relatively free of geological features that would make it difficult to access the black box flight recorder or aircraft wreckage, Dr Beaman said the depth would present problems.

An observer looks out a window onboard a RNZAF P3 Orion during the search operations for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in Southern Indian Ocean on April0 4, 2014. Source: Getty Images

"The challenge is that it's a lot deeper than anywhere they have been looking before," he said.

"It's right at the bottom of a very large basin."

For example, 4500m is the maximum depth at which a Bluefin-21 autonomous underwater vehicle carried by the Ocean Shield can operate.

The 6.4 metre-long robot is an invaluable tool that is capable of staying submerged for 25 hours at a time, deploying its sensors to search and map 40 square miles of sea floor per day.

However, Dr Beaman said recovery teams would be aided by a good understanding of the area, with an Australian research team mapping it as recently as 2011.

"Our knowledge of this area is as good as anywhere in this stretch of ocean," he said.

Big guns ... a Chinese Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft flies over Perth returning from search operations. Source: AP

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Road-rage driver gets 13 years for killing fireman

Mark Noormets was a devoted father of four and a volunteer firefighter who lost his life at age 51. Source: Supplied

The fatal crash scene near Byford. Source: Supplied

A DRUGGED driver who killed an off-duty fireman in a head-on crash in a road rage pursuit has been jailed for 13 years.

Rodney Allen Beard, 36, was sentenced today in the District Court over the death of Mark Noormets, 51, in December 2012.

The fatal crash happened on the South Western Highway in Byford when Beard's car veered on to the wrong side of the road as he chased another male driver in a road rage incident.

Beard hit Mr Noormet's car head on. Mr Noormets — a father of four and volunteer firefighter — was killed instantly.

Beard was high on methylamphetamine at the time of the crash.

He originally pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and doing an act likely to endanger the safety of another person.

But he pleaded guilty to both charges on the second day of his trial earlier this year.

Beard will be eligible for parole in 2025.

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Wildcats snatch win from 36ers

Perth's James Ennis salutes the crowd during his 30-point performance. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Corp Australia

Perth's James Ennis with the lay up. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Corp Australia

A SUPERB performance by James Ennis helped the Perth Wildcats move to within one win of a championship after edging Adelaide 92-85 in the opening Grand Final game at Perth Arena.

Ennis scored 19 of his game-high 30 points in the second half, while Jermaine Beal added 19 to help Perth take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series in front of 13,291 fans.

Cats vice-captain Greg Hire (10 points, seven rebounds) was the unsung hero of the night, providing the X-factor as the home side held off a vicious late surge to claim the win.

■ GALLERY: All the action from the Wildcats defeat of the 36ers

■ Wildcats legend Mike Ellis urges James Ennis to ignore MVP snub

■ Phil Smyth says history can repeat for Adelaide 36ers against Perth Wildcats

■ Re-live the game - see the LIVE feed below

36ers skipper Adam Gibson bravely led the late fightback and finished with 13 points and nine assists before fouling out, while Daniel Johnson had 18 and eight boards.

Perth Wildcats fan welcomes his side to the court. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Corp Australia

Playing his first game since missing out on the league's MVP prize last week, Ennis made an emphatic statement that he is the competition's best player with a fine all-round effort that included 10 rebounds.

Adelaide coach Joey Wright voiced his displeasure at Perth getting 47 free throw attempts, with the visitors able to muster just 13.

"If (Ennis) can play 37 minutes, don't foul, and shoot 17 free throws, we can't stop him," Wright said.

"If he can play that many minutes and don't foul, and get fouled every time you breathe on him, we can't stop him.

"There was a whole country watching this game. As impartial as I or anybody else tries to be, it was on TV tonight."

When asked why the foul count of 32-19 was lobsided, Wright replied: "I have no idea.

"This crowd is great, and they're boisterous, but it seems sometimes... I don't know... they do a great job.

"40 free throws... I'm at a loss.

"I thought that we drove to that lane quite a bit, and there was quite a bit of contact and it just wasn't called."

Perth coach Trevor Gleeson said his side had adjustments to make for Game 2, but was thrilled to get a first-up victory.

"We knew that (Adelaide) was going to come at us, and I was pretty pleased with the resilience they showed there to get the win," he said.

"We've certainly got to keep the ball movement and attacking the rim. James was sensational attacking the rim tonight."

The Cats held an 12-point lead entering the final term, and looked like they would be untroubled when Hire sunk a dagger triple from the corner.

But consecutive threes from Gibson gave the visitors a glimmer of hope.

Gary Ervin was blocked twice in two minutes as Perth's defence held strong, before a Jason Cadee triple closed the gap to six with 90 seconds remaining.

BJ Anthony and Johnson then made huge baskets to cut the deficit to just three with 18 seconds left.

Perth's Shawn Redhage takes a shot. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Corp Australia

However, Beal held his nerve at the free throw line to help the home side seal the deal.

The teams meet again for Game 2 in Adelaide on Friday, with the series returning to Perth on Sunday if a decider is required.

Ennis signalled his intentions in the opening 30 seconds of the game with a three-point play after absorbing contact from Johnson to bank a floater.

A fired-up Ennis then waved his arms to rev up the crowd while standing at the free-throw line.

But it was WA native Johnson who did the early talking, draining 10 points – including a pair of long bombs – in the opening five minutes.

Cats skipper Damian Martin was typically active from the get-go, soaring for an offensive putback and then producing a fine block on Johnson at the other end.

The Wildcats entered the clash with a formidable 13-2 record on its home court this season, and showed why they've been so tough to beat as they put the foot to the floor in the second term.

Martin picked up his third foul midway through the second quarter, but Beal showed he was more than up to the task of running Perth's offence as he helped the home side push their lead into double digits.

Beal added nine points for the term as he burned the Sixers from long range.

Perth's Jermaine Beal looks to get past Adelaide's Daniel Johnson. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Corp Australia

Hire provided an important cameo with characteristic hustle and a five-point burst to help the Cats take a 51-40 lead into intermission.

Perth ruled the offensive boards 13-4 in the first half, setting up 15 second-chance points to Adelaide's two to prove the difference.

A Redhage triple straight after the resumption hurt Adelaide's chances of a comeback, but Gibson was keeping them in touch at the offensive end.

However, the Sixers were having trouble containing Ennis down low.

The star import powered past Gary Ervin to finish on a fast break to bring the crowd to its feet – chanting "MVP!" – as Perth edged towards a series lead.

The minor premier Wildcats are looking to secure an NBL-best sixth title, while Adelaide can join Perth on five championships if they pull off the upset.

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson

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Pratt defuses ‘lesbian’ controversy

Louise Pratt, right, with partner Aram Hosie. Picture: Richard Hatherly, STM. Source: News Limited

LABOR Senator Louise Pratt has attempted to gracefully defuse a controversy over whether or not she's a lesbian after it was revealed that her Labor running mate Joe Bullock questioned her sexual orientation because her partner has changed gender to become a man.

As the ALP campaign in WA continued to lurch from one disaster to the next in the final 48 hours to the poll, Senator Pratt took to the social networking site Twitter to argue it's not the first time someone has asked the question. Her partner, Aram Hosie, a transgender person who was born a woman but is now legally a man.

● Louise Pratt talks about life with her transgender partner, Aram Hosie

● Where to vote in Senate poll re-run

"For those asking - I'm not offended. Joe is right: I am a passionate #marriageequality advocate, and he's not the first to ask the question that he did,'' Senator Pratt said today.

"Do appreciate all the supportive comments I have received. No need though for anyone, including journos, to be taking offense on my behalf."

Mr Bullock, a right-wing union leader who stole the number one spot from Senator Pratt, told a Christian group last November that working people were right not to trust Labor and questioned Kevin Rudd's religious views because "he'd change his mind over a cup of coffee''.

Describing Senator Pratt as a campaigner for "homosexual marriage" he went on to say, "she's a lesbian I think, although after her partner's sex change I can't be sure".

Asked if she was hurt by Mr Bullock's comments during a joint press conference in Perth this morning, Senator Pratt rejected the suggestion.

"No, Joe and I are members (of the) Labor Party for good reason. We have a lot more in common than we would ever have that's different and that's because we both want to champion the rights of ordinary West Australians,'' she said.

During the debate on gay marriage, Senator Pratt gave a tearful speech arguing for her right to marry Aram.

"We exist. We already exist . . . all we ask is that you stop pretending that we don't," she told the Senate.

Senator Pratt's partner today urged Labor supporters to vote for her "below the line" rather than give Mr Bullock their first preference.

"Three words. Below. The. Line,'' he said on Twitter

In response to another Twitter user, Mr Hosie said, " It wasn't about marriage per se. He was asking whether @Louise_Pratt was a lesbian given her trans partner (aka me. Lol)."

Mr Bullock also confirmed today he had voted for the Liberal Party after Gough Whitlam's dismissal.

Bullock shows ALP dysfunction, says PM

"Well look, I didn't vote Labor in 1975. I join are joined the Labor Party in 1978. I've supported the Labor Party ever since,'' he said.

Listen to the full transcript of Mr Bullock's remarks here: http://dawsonsociety.com.au/articles/bullockfaithpoltics/

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DEJA VOTE: Who gets your nod in poll re-run?

History will repeat itself tomorrow as WA heads back to the polls

AFTER 210 days, one recount, 1370 lost ballots, an Australian Electoral Commission investigation, a Court of Disputed Returns ruling and two AEC resignations, Western Australia will finally get one more chance to vote for six Senate seats tomorrow.

And the result they deliver could make the numbers in Australia's Senate very interesting for Tony Abbott, whose performance as prime minister will be thoroughly polled six months into his tenure.

● VOTE NOW: Who's leading our PerthNow poll? Scroll down to join in and see results posted so far

● WHERE TO VOTE IN SENATE POLL RE-RUN

While the federal government won't change following WA's fourth election in just over a year, the ability for the coalition to make change through policy will be affected.

And if the late campaign whispers come true, and the Liberals drop the third seat they won at the original poll and Labor gains one, then the horse trading in Canberra with the minor parties will reach Magic Millions proportions.

Opposition leader Bill Shorten, pictured at a Perth primary school with candidates Louise Pratt and Joe Bullock, indicated he was concerned about a bungle by the AEC, but was not going to panic.

Will you vote tomorrow in the Senate election re-run?

Who will you vote for in the WA senate election?

The last day on the hustings was dominated by how many feet Labor's number one candidate Joe Bullock could fit into his mouth at once.

Senator Scott Ludlam, pictured after the WA Senate recount by the WA Electoral Commission in Perth.

After revelations earlier in the week of a 1996 conviction for assault, it's been revealed he delivered a speech last year to a Christian group during which he admitted he didn't always vote Labor, and had called some of the ALP membership ``mad''.

That prompted an apology via email to Labor members, with the partner of Labor's number two candidate Louise Pratt urging the WA electorate to vote below the line.

The free kick for the Liberals was gleefully accepted by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.

"When Labor's number one candidate says he doesn't vote Labor, why should anybody else,'' Ms Bishop said.

Ironically, Mr Bullock is almost certain to win a seat, despite his gaffes, and it was the Liberal's third candidate Linda Reynolds who was battling hardest.

"We are not considering not picking up that third seat. Linda Reynolds won that spot fair and square,'' Ms Bishop said.

With preference deals and a more favourable senate ticket position set to benefit Ms Pratt, the heavyweight battle between Clive Palmer and Greens Senator Scott Ludlam will be vital on Saturday and beyond.

After a week of carpet bombing the electorate with radio and TV ads, Mr Palmer appeared to self-destruct on the eve of the election with an angry interview with the ABC followed by a grumpy morning on radio.

Asked by 2UE's morning show about a sign writing business in New South Wales that claims it is still owed thousands of dollars by the Palmer United Party, the billionaire got shirty.

``Well that's just bulls--- That's not true. There's no action against us, there's no letter of demand. It's just Rupert Murdoch ... making up another story. I'll see you later, bye bye,'' he said, before hanging up.

Senate Candidate Joe Bullock Mr Bullock, pictured in Belmont this week, brushed aside a recently revealed assault conviction, saying ``that was a long time ago''.

Senator Ludlam, who has campaigned hard against a waning vote from the last election, said he was confident.

"There was a swing against us in WA, and I think we have taken care of that,'' he said.

And it was expected all parties would have to battle against a lower turnout from the election-weary WA population, with predictions of polling levels as low as 75 per cent.

After another blunder involving an unsecured ballot box, the AEC said there had been no more issues - so far.

A record number of 75 candidates will contest Saturday's election, up from 65 in September.

A full run-down of the controversies on WA election eve

The re-run of the WA Senate election will be a referendum on the first half year of Tony Abbott's reign, but will also prove the biggest test yet for the nation's electoral commission.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) admitted on Thursday that about 75 pre-poll votes at the RAAFA Estate retirement home in Merriwa, in Perth's outer suburbs, were put in an unsecured ballot box and then transferred to a secure box in breach of proper procedure.

Palmer United Party leader Clive Palmer, the AEC's harshest critic, called for more heads to roll, after two key AEC staffers resigned over the last debacle, and even called for a royal commission.

The votes were declared invalid and the retirement home's elderly residents had to recast them on Friday.

One of the residents said she hadn't even put her vote in a box and it had instead been taken by ``the lady''.

Both sides of politics were troubled to hear of the latest controversy to dog the AEC, which was lashed by former police commissioner Mick Keelty after his investigation into the 1370 ballot papers that went missing during a recount last year.

The AEC's harshest critic, Clive Palmer, called for more heads to roll, after two key AEC staffers resigned over the last debacle, and even called for a royal commission.

Mr Keelty found fault with just about every aspect of the AEC's handling of the second count, but the commission said on February 28 that it had implemented key practical recommendations of his probe.

But two days before West Australians marched back to the polls for the fourth time in just over a year, those reassurances were a distant memory as news of yet another ballot box blunder emerged, leaving confidence in the AEC shattered.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who has not held back in his disdain for the AEC's ``ineptitude'', said Australians had a right to expect there would be no errors this time around.

AEC spokesman Phil Diak said every step would be taken to minimise the chance of mistakes, and refuted suggestions voter fatigue in WA would result in a low turnout, saying early voting had been encouraging.

Meanwhile, Labor's lead candidate Joe Bullock has increased his press conference appearances - particularly at schools - after earlier commentary that he'd not fronted the media enough, all while copping fresh flak for reportedly telling a Christian group in November that Labor needed unions so it didn't follow ``every weird lefty trend''.

He also reportedly called the ALP membership mad, said he'd rather be expelled from the party than vote for gay marriage, and revealed he had voted against Labor in 1975.

Voters on Saturday will elect six senators from 77 candidates with the coalition, Labor, the Australian Greens, Palmer United Party and myriad micro parties fighting for the upper house seats..

The Liberals pounced on Mr Bullock's reported comment that running mate Louise Pratt - who he shunted to second on Labor's ticket - was a ``poster child for the left'', saying it pointed to disunity and dysfunction in the party.

On Friday, Mr Bullock also brushed aside a recently revealed assault conviction, saying ``that was a long time ago''.

The Liberals have had their own controversies - at the state level, with former Treasurer Troy Buswell quitting Cabinet and facing criminal charges after a mental breakdown following late-night, post-wedding car crashes - but Mr Abbott remains supremely confident it won't dent the party's election chances.

And what about their stablemates, the Nationals? Candidate Shane Van Styn - affectionately referred to by Barnaby Joyce as ``Van the Man'' - has also appeared media-shy, proving less visible than his deputy leader.

Palmer United Party's Dio Wang has also been scarce in Perth, fronting regional media rather than facing the harsh glare of the metropolitan spotlight. He said it was more important to talk to voters than journalists.

But his leader has been all over the press, saying those who wanted to interview Mr Wang could get on a plane and see him on the hustings in Broome, Karratha or Kalgoorlie.

PUP was also criticised for bombarding the airwaves and blanketing WA's only daily newspaper in campaign advertisements, with the highest office in the land through to the Greens accusing Mr Palmer of trying to buy a seat in the Senate - although Greens Senator Scott Ludlam has also splashed a fair amount of cash on ads.

Mr Palmer says it's his own personal money and he can do with it as he pleases.

But Greens leader Christine Milne tied it back to Mr Wang's absence from mainstream media.

``It really makes no sense that he's spending a fortune on advertising but is gagging his own candidates from talking to the people,'' Senator Milne said.

``And that's because when they open their mouths, they say something different to what Clive wants to say.''

PUP was also lambasted by the Liberals for preferencing the HEMP party seventh out of 33. The HEMP party's lead candidate James Moylan has said he doesn't even want to be a politician.

Mr Palmer, as usual, shot back.

``The Liberals are preferencing high on the ticket of the Liberal Democrats, who don't believe in the legalisation of hemp, they believe in the legalisation of heroin and all drugs,'' he told AAP.

``They also believe in assisted suicide, abolishing the pension - which maybe Abbott does too - and abolishing social security.

``And they're getting the preference way before us in the Liberal ticket.''

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11 years jail for backpacker rape

A man was sentenced to 11 years in jail today for the violent rape of a Swedish backpacker. Source: News Limited

A MAN has been jailed for 11 years for the violent rape of a Swedish backpacker as she slept inside his rented campervan outside a Perth hostel.

The 24-year-old backpacker did not even know she had been raped until she was medically examined and Ivan James Williams' DNA was found on her.

The Perth District Court heard today that the pair had been drinking in March last year when Williams offered her his van, while he was supposed to sleep on a couch at the hostel.

But the woman woke to find Williams holding a shard of glass against her neck and threatening to cut her throat.

"You were pinning her down with one arm across her throat and in an angry voice you said to her, `Don't scream'," Judge Patrick O'Neal said in sentencing.

"Despite that, she tried to, although it was difficult because it was hard to breathe." The woman struggled and managed to flee inside the hostel bleeding, "half naked and hysterical", saying someone she thought was her friend had tried to rape her.

Judge O'Neal said Williams' crime had scarred the woman physically and mentally after learning she had indeed been sexually assaulted.

"Her reaction was predictably one of great distress. She fell to the ground crying and screaming," he said.

The court heard Williams had also been on bail for alleged sex offences in South Australia at the time.

Judge O'Neal said Williams had preyed upon a vulnerable victim who had too much to drink and had only decided to sleep in his van believing she was safe.

He noted Williams had pleaded guilty but only after the woman had testified.

The judge also noted Williams was at high risk of re-offending and questioned the level of his remorse.

Williams was sentenced to 11 years behind bars for two counts of aggravated rape and one count each of attempted aggravated rape, threats to injure and assault causing bodily harm.

He will be eligible for parole after serving nine years.

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Libs try to spoil Palmer party

Clive Palmer says he wasn't surprised by the last-minute attempt to stop him from handing out his how-to-vote cards, which has failed. Picture: File image Source: News Corp Australia

A LAST-MINUTE attempt to rule Clive Palmer's WA how-to-vote cards invalid has been scuttled by the Australian Electoral Commission increasing the chances of the party snaring a sixth Senate spot.

Senior Liberal sources have confirmed they complained to the AEC earlier today that the how- to-vote cards may breach electoral laws because they do not clearly state they are authorised by the Palmer United Party. But the AEC disagreed ensuring they can be handed out tomorrow.

● WHERE TO VOTE IN SENATE POLL RE-RUN

The complaint could have thrown a wildcard into the ballot on Saturday by forcing PUP to pulp their how-to-vote cards or rush to print new material.

"We've queried it. We thought we would get it checked,'' a Liberal campaigner said. "But the AEC says there's no problem."

Mr Palmer, who is campaigning in Kalgoorlie, said he wasn't surprised by the last-minute attempt to stop him from handing out his how-to-vote cards.

"They've been trying to sabotage their campaign every day. There's nothing wrong with our how-to-vote card,'' he said.

Internal party polling suggests the Liberal Party's primary vote is down on last year's result with a strong risk that they will secure only two out of six Senate spots up for grabs.

Some political campaigners believe published polling has overestimated the Liberals primary vote and undercooked support for Palmer United Party.

Under that scenario, a likely outcome is two Liberal senators, two Labor senators, Green Senator Scott Ludlam securing a spot and a Palmer United Party senator increasing the eccentric millionaire's balance of power role in the Senate.

But a low voter turnout is expected to make the result hard to predict.

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Clinical Hawks smash Dockers

Reigning premiers Hawthorn lead by Cyril Rioli and Sam Mitchell demolish Fremantle by 58 points in a stunning performance.

AFL: Hawthorn v Fremantle MCG. April 4th 2014. Cyril Rioli kicks the first goal. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

Match. "A GAME or a contest in which two or more contestants or teams oppose each other".

This was no match and certainly no contest.

Hawthorn last night obliterated the Dockers with such unmerciful power and precision it will scare the living daylights out of the rest of the competition.

This is a side which has scaled football's summit, and yet it applies frenzied pressure, runs to space with such undying desire and is so clean by foot you'd swear they were striving to break a premiership drought.

Sam Mitchell shrugged off a calf injury to finish with 36 possessions. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

That is what Fremantle is trying to do, and yet if last night is any indication it could be another 50 years away.

Hawthorn lead by 75 points early in the last quarter before finally taking the foot off the Dockers' throat to win by 58 — 21.11 (137) to 11.13 (79).

At the end of it all, it was hard to believe these were the two sides locked in a ferocious arm wrestle only six months ago on the same ground in the biggest game of the year.

Luke Breust was at his creative best with four goals. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

This was a journey back in time to the old Freo; the purple mob who would go into their shell away from home and put in insipid performances outside WA.

Records were broken everywhere.

Hawthorn's score was the biggest the Dockers have conceded in the Ross Lyon era and the Hawks' 492 disposals the seventh-most ever recorded.

The home side won the ball inside and shared it on the outside with such mesmeric efficiency Fremantle literally couldn't get its hands on the ball.

Isaac Smith kicked two goals in a minute in the second quarter to blow the game apart. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

The uncontested possession count stood 31-0 after 15 minutes and Fremantle didn't take a mark of any kind until the 16 minute mark of first quarter.

Will Lanford got into the act, kicking his first career goal, much to the delight of the faithful. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

At half-time it was the worst disposal differential (-133) ever under Lyon. The Dockers' 128 possessions at the main break was also the lowest of the Lyon era.

Yes, Michael Barlow (injured) and Nat Fyfe and Zac Dawson (both suspended) provide an asterisk. But if that's the case what does Luke Hodge, Brian Lake, Ben Stratton and Brad Sewell provide?

No, absentees are a cop-out.

Brad Hill had a career-high 30 disposals. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

There were periods last night where you could have argued the Dockers had thrown in the towel. It is a harsh accusation, especially at the Grand Finallist, but there was a distinct 'It's all too hard' stink about them for much of the game.

So out of their depth were they that it was like watching Melbourne in its darkest hour or Greater Western Sydney or Gold Coast shortly after birth.

David Mundy was muzzled by Will Langford, Ryan Crowley was given a hiding from Sam Mitchell, Michael Walters Chris Mayne and Hayden Ballantyne combined for two goals.

Ryan Crowley is chased and tackled by Cyril Rioli. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

And yet again, Aaron Sandilands' ruck dominance (33 hit-outs) didn't translate to clearance ascendancy.

As bad as Fremantle were, Hawthorn was super impressive. It's Round 3, but if the Hawks don't win this year's premiership, it won't be complacency that brings them unstuck.

Last night they outworked, out-hassled and out-skilled the so-called second-best side in the country. They got extra numbers to the contest and after winning possession, simply didn't give it back.

Matt Spangher filled a key defensive post admirably. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Cyril Rioli provided the highlights; Jordan Lewis and Mitchell the drive. Six Hawks had 30 disposals or more.

Goals don't get more exciting that Luke Breust's in the first quarter after Rioli and Paul Puopolo combined majestically on the wing to slice open the Dockers. Fremantle's famed full-ground defence was made to look like witches hats.

This wasn't a Grand Final rematch.

It was a statement.

HAWTHORN:

FREMANTLE:

SAM EDMUND'S BEST PLAYERS

HAWTHORN: Mitchell, Lewis, Smith, Suckling, Roughead, Breust, Rioli, Birchall

FREMANTLE: Pavlich, Pearce, Hill

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