Tagliaferri has lost his Job!

Ripper under pressure after Greens win in Fremantle

Eric Ripper's future as the State's Opposition Leader has been called into question after the Greens claimed victory in the Fremantle by-election last night.

The Greens made history last night when they wrestled the traditional working class seat from Labor for the first time since 1924.

Greens candidate Adele Carles has officially claimed victory over Labor candidate Peter Tagliaferri, describing the win as “a wake-up call to the two big parties”.

But the win has thrust Mr Ripper's leadership of the State Labor Party into the spotlight and placed pressure on the party to consider alternatives.

Alannah MacTiernan has been widely tipped as a successor to Mr Ripper, but she is also believed to be considering a tilt at Federal politics by contesting the seat of Canning held by the Liberal Party's Don Randall.

WA Premier Colin Barnett said today it was not a good day for the WA Labor party.

“That is an historic victory after decades of being in Labor's hands,” he said.

“Yes it does change the dynamics of State Parliament, for the first time the Greens have a member in the Lower House.

“It's not a good day for Labor.

“There's no positive spin the Labor party or Eric Ripper can put on this, they have lost probably their prime Labor seat, the seat of Fremantle.

Mr Barnett said dyed-in-the-wool Labor voters had not supported Mr Tagliaferri.

“I think many Labor true-blue, if you like, long-term Labor supporters did not support Peter Tagliaferri as their candidate - that was one of the problems,” he said.

“When you have a division within a party whether it's Labor or Liberal then that usually leads to disaster and it did yesterday for the Labor party.”
Last night a jubilant Ms Carles described the victory as sweet.

Ms Carles said the result was “beyond her wildest dreams” and she was honoured to be the first Greens MP to ever be elected to a Lower House of State Parliament.

She said the fact that the Greens would now claim official party status, which entitled them to more resources and staff, held national significance.

Respected political analyst Harry Phillips called the result earlier tonight, saying Opposition Leader Eric Ripper had “hardly put a foot wrong” as leader but his leadership would “inevitably” be questioned due to Labor’s defeat.

Ms Carles addressed about 100 supporters earlier tonight.

“I am really overwhelmed, I do talk a lot but I am speechless,” Ms Carles said.
Mr Tagliaferri is still refusing to concede defeat, saying a Labor victory was still mathematically possible considering 2000 postal and early votes were yet to be counted..
When counting ended last night, Ms Carles had 7950 votes ahead of Mr Tagliaferri's 6926 votes.

Ms Carles led on the two party preferred votes 9687 (54.01 per cent) to Mr Tagliaferri's 8248 (45.99 per cent).

Opposition Leader Eric Ripper yesterday conceded Labor faced an uphill battle to keep its strong-hold on the seat of Fremantle.

The West Australian News
http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=141886

Rally for Richard Murphy

FREMANTLE MARKETS
Rally for Richard

Special guest speaker Greens candidate
Adele Carles

Richard Murphy, Chairman of the Freo Markets Stallholders Committee has been evicted after
22 years at the markets.

Please show your concern for the dire situation Stallholders now find themselves in.

-Created by-

Fremantle mayor Peter Tagliaferi
CEO Graeme Mckenzie

And councillors
John Strachan
Doug Thompson (chair of Markets Committee)
Brad Pettit
Robert Fittock
John Alberti

Who still support this unfair situation despite huge community opposition.

This Wednesday, 22nd April, 5pm
At Council Chambers steps
Kings Square (opp. Myres).

Richard Murphy has been evicted from the Fremantle Markets. Richard has owned his shop in the markets for 22 years and a year ago he could very well have sold his business for around $100,000. This weekend he left with nothing but stock. His livelihood has been stolen.

The Murdoch management has not just filled his vacant space but have given the new occupants the opportunity to walk into Richard’s business and reap the rewards of repeat custom, reliable wholesalers, expertise and good will. In effect, someone has just been given a $100,000 established business.

Although this seems highly unlikely and many are left wondering…

As chairman and spokesperson for the Fremantle Stallholders Association, Richard has been intimidated and victimized by management.

Richard has been confronting, outspoken and fearless in trying to get to the truth and the agendas behind massive and unfair rent increases at Fremantle Markets. At substantial personal costs he has championed those who have been intimidated, supported many who have had to close down and walk away and prevented a mass walk out. And all the while, trying to educate the council about long term repercussions.

Fremantle Market is not just a real estate investment. It is a Fremantle icon and tourist destination. It is commercially successful and ironically it is this winning formula that is now being dismantled. The Markets in its current format brings people from outer suburbia and overseas into Freo.

Peter Tagliaferi and the Murdoch’s vision of turning half the market into a glorified Deli will destroy the Fremantle markets. Rents and dubious outgoings will destroy many established businesses. Half of Fremantle councillors are heartbroken at the lack of information that they have been able to work with. These councillors are working hard to rectify the situation and it looks like Peter Tagliaferri is stepping out and leaving carnage in his wake.

The Fremantle Herald and Gazette have had all the twists and turns running as front page news for almost 2 months. Have you been paying attention?

Most recent post http://sonyagreen.blogspot.com/