Basil Zempilas

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Lord Mayor
Basil Zempilas
56th Lord Mayor of Perth
Assumed office
19 October 2020
DeputyClyde Bevan (2023–24)
Liam Gobbert (2022–23)
Di Bain (2021–22)
Sandy Anghie (2020–21)
Preceded byLisa Scaffidi
Personal details
Born
Basil Anthony Zempilas

(1971-07-30) 30 July 1971 (age 52)
Perth, Western Australia
Political partyLiberal (2024−present)
Other political
affiliations		Independent (until 2024)
Spouse
Amy Zempilas
​
(m. 2009)​
Children3
EducationHale School
Alma materMurdoch University (BA)
Occupation
Australian rules football career
Personal information
Original team(s) West Perth Football Club (WAFL)
Position(s) Ruck, forward
Playing career
Years Club Games (Goals)
1990-1994 Falcons 24 (25)
Total 9-15-0
Coaching career
Years Club Games (W–L–D)
1993 Perth Football League
Career highlights
Source: AustralianFootball.com

Basil Anthony Zempilas (Greek: Βασίλειος Αντώνης Ζεμπίλας, romanized: Vasílios Antónis Zempílas; born 30 July 1971) is an Australian television and radio presenter, sports commentator and politician based in Perth, Western Australia. Zempilas presented sport until 2022 on Seven News Perth,[1] Monday to Thursday and from January 2014 until 11 December 2020 co-hosted Perth radio station 6PR's breakfast program with Steve Mills.[2] He is also a member of the Seven Network's AFL football commentary team.[1] Zempilas has commentated on the Olympics and several other major sporting events, was formerly with radio station 92.9 in Perth and has previously been a co-host of Weekend Sunrise.[3][4] In 2020, Zempilas was elected Lord Mayor of Perth.

Early life[edit]

Zempilas is of Greek descent – his mother Jessie was born on the island of Kastellorizo and his father Anthony's family also originates from the island.[5][6] He attended Floreat Park Primary School and Hale School in Perth; he attended Hale along with Liberal Party politician and lawyer Christian Porter. Zempilas graduated from Perth's Murdoch University in 1992 with a degree in Media Studies and Mass Communications.[7]

Zempilas played for the West Perth Football Club playing as a ruckman and forward, but retired due to injury. Zempilas played 24 games in the West Australian Football League between 1990 and 1994, kicking 25 goals including kicking 5 in a semi final in 1993.[8][9]

Media career[edit]

Zempilas began his career at the Seven Network in February 1994 as a cadet sports reporter.[10] He was awarded "Best News Story" at the annual Western Australia Football Commission media awards for his coverage of the Melbourne Football Club being thrown out of a West Coast Eagles closed training session. In 1996, he was named the "Best Television Personality" at the same awards.[citation needed]

In 1996 Zempilas was promoted to weekend sports anchor on Seven News, a position he held until the end of 2001, when Seven lost the rights to broadcast AFL. In 1997 he commenced hosting a locally produced football show, Basil's Footy Show. He hosted the 1998 World Aquatics Championships in Perth and co-hosted the local television program Perth at Five with Yvette Mooney.

Zempilas has been involved with the Seven Network's coverage of the Olympic Games since the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where he co-hosted Tonight at the Games with Bruce Abernethy for the Western Australia and South Australia markets. At the 2002 Winter Olympics, Zempilas called Steven Bradbury's win in the 1000 m speed skating; Australia's first Winter Olympic Gold medal.[11] Zempilas provided rowing and basketball commentary at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and represented Seven News at the 2005 World Aquatics Championships. In 2006 he began presenting the AFL segment on the Seven Network program Sportsworld with David Schwarz. He called the speed skating event at the 2006 Winter Olympics with Bradbury and also commentated on Rowing, Canoe/Kayak and Basketball at the 2008 Summer Olympics.[11]

Zempilas is the senior sport presenter on Seven News Perth,[1] and in the past has provided AFL commentary on radio station 1116 SEN into Melbourne. He was a co-host of the Lisa, Paul & Baz show on Perth's 92.9 but left in November 2013.[3][12] He joined Steve Mills to host the 6PR breakfast radio show in January 2014.[13]

Since 2012, Zempilas has been part of the Seven Network's expanded AFL broadcast team. Between 2012 and 2016, he mainly called Saturday afternoon matches and occasionally some Friday night (if the match in this timeslot is played in Perth) and Sunday afternoon matches; in 2017, he called Saturday night matches and continued to call Thursday and Friday night matches played in Perth. In 2018, due to his Weekend Sunrise commitments, his football duties were reduced to calling only Friday and Saturday night matches played in Sydney, and some matches in Perth.[14]

He was also a commentator for Seven's Australian Open tennis coverage and is the host of the annual Channel Seven Perth Telethon.

In March 2018, Zempilas was appointed co-host of Weekend Sunrise replacing Andrew O'Keefe after previously filling in as host of the show.[4] In September 2019, Zempilas stepped down as regular host of Weekend Sunrise, citing a desire to spend more time with his family, however he still appears on the show intermittently as a summer and fill-in presenter whenever required.[15] In October 2019, it was announced that Matt Doran would replace Zempilas on the show from October 12.[16]

In October 2020, it was announced Zempilas and 6PR would part ways at the end of his contract in November, due to 6PR being owned by Nine Entertainment Co.[17]

In December 2020, Zempilas finished up at 6PR, but the following week he was announced as host of Triple M Perth's breakfast program with Jenna Clarke and Xavier Ellis.[18]

In February 2022, it was announced that Zempilas would scale back his duties with the Seven Network, stepping down from his role as sports presenter on Seven News Perth.[19]

Political career[edit]

In January 2020, Zempilas announced that he was running to be the Lord Mayor of the City of Perth.[20] Zempilas said if successful in the election, he would step down from his role on 6PR, but continue working with Seven News.[21] He has been criticised for using his media presence to promote himself as a candidate, and for his support by The West Australian, who is his employer.[22] The Western Australian Electoral Commission warned Zempilas that his columns in The West Australian which he uses to promote himself for lord mayor must be authorised.[23]

On 17 October 2020, Zempilas won the election, defeating six other candidates. Zempilas received 1,855 votes, or 29.44% of the vote with 41% turnout (thus polling 12.07% of eligible voters). Zempilas defeated his nearest rival, former ABC journalist Di Bain, by 284 votes.[24][25]

On 19 October 2020, Zempilas was sworn in as Lord Mayor of Perth, stating, "It is a significant honour to be sworn-in as the 18th Lord Mayor of this great city. It is also a great responsibility and immensely humbling. It is with genuine anticipation I pledge to lead a collaborative, consultative approach to high quality government."[26]

In December 2021, Zempilas indicated he will run for Perth mayor again in the next election, stating, "My intention right now is to run again in 2023... So three years – I feel a little short-changed, having won an election, typically that means four years... My intention is absolutely to run again. I love the role and I'd like to see a lot of the things that we've got started, I'd like to see them finished off."[27]

In 2021, Zempilas was "mentioned as a potential Liberal party option for a Campbell Newman-like tilt at the next [Western Australia] state election in four years."[28]

In 2023, Zempilas was re-elected as Lord Mayor.[29][30] Zempilas received 3,264 votes, or 56.50% of the vote.

The West Australian announced Zempilas's intention to join the Liberal Party and seek preselection for the electoral district of Churchlands on its front page on 27 January 2024. He said he intends to remain as lord mayor unless he is elected to parliament, only taking a leave of absence during the election campaign in 2025, citing the precedent set by former Wanneroo mayor Tracey Roberts, who was elected to the federal parliament in 2022.[31][32]

Controversies[edit]

In January 2007, Zempilas received a fine and a three-month suspension of his driver's licence after pleading guilty to drink driving.[33][34]

In November 2019, Zempilas used his column in The West Australian to make comments about the homeless situation in Perth, vowing that if elected Lord Mayor of Perth, he would "clean up" the city from rough sleepers, stating, "I make no apologies for this, the homeless need to be moved out of the Hay and Murray street malls and the surrounding areas... Forcibly, if that's what it takes. I'm sick of being told by people who don't live and work in the city like I do that it's not that bad — actually, it's worse... The look, the smell, the language, the fights — it's disgusting. A blight on our city." These comments were considered to have displayed a lack of empathy and later became the subject of a guerilla artist installation in the city.[35]

Zempilas in 2006

In March 2020, Zempilas conducted a television interview with former West Coast Eagles captain Ben Cousins, whose highly publicised post-football life was characterised by struggles with drug addiction and various run-ins with the law. The interview, which was broadcast by Channel 7 amid much publicity, was widely condemned.[36] Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson described Zempilas as "beyond grubby" and "beyond demeaning" for his line of questioning of Cousins.[37] Zempilas and Channel 7 defended the broadcast against accusations that it was exploitative of Cousins and the revelation that Cousins was paid for the interview.[38]

Zempilas was criticised in 2020 for using his media presence to promote himself as a candidate during the Perth mayoral election campaign. After Zempilas revealed plans to rally a team of like-minded council hopefuls, including his cousin Gary Mitchell, for the City of Perth, he was accused by rival candidate Mark Gibson of "stacking" the council with friends and family to snatch a voting majority.[39] Zempilas was also criticised for announcing a plan to raise council rates for landlords with vacant retail space; the Property Council of Perth responded by saying rent increases for struggling owners were "poor policy" and "hardly an incentive."[40]

Following his appointment as Lord Mayor of Perth, Zempilas has been criticised for having a "very strong conflict of interest" with his ongoing media commitments.[41]

In October 2020, less than two weeks after being sworn in as Lord Mayor of Perth, Zempilas made comments on his radio show that some considered transphobic. He said "If you've got a penis mate, you're a bloke. If you've got a vagina, you're a woman. Game over." The comments were widely denounced, and Zempilas apologised the next day.[42] A subsequent online petition called upon West Australian Premier Mark McGowan to sack Zempilas; the petition received 11,500 signatures. In the wake of Zempilas' controversial comments, the electronics retailer Retravision withdrew its advertising from 6PR, the radio station Zempilas was affiliated with at the time, and a public protest against Zempilas was held in Perth.[43] Zempilas was also confronted by Perth LGBTQ groups during his first council meeting as Lord Mayor.[44] A joint open letter from TransFolk of WA and Pride WA stated,

The Trans community and greater LGBTQI+ community in WA has weathered a cruel storm in the past week. It has been painful not only to hear the comments made by Mr Zempilas during his radio broadcast, but to hear them repeated endlessly in the media and the wider community, compounds the harm being done. We understand many within the community are angry, hurt, disappointed and feel betrayed. We know first-hand how such comments can be dangerous not only to individuals, but also to the health of our society, and therefore have no place in it."[45]

Zempilas' comments also caused a push to move Western Australia's annual Pride parade, PrideFest, from Perth to the nearby City of Vincent.[46]

In March 2021, Zempilas was publicly criticised on Twitter by ABC journalist Emma Wynne for comments he made towards Triple M co-host Jenna Clarke during their breakfast radio show. Zempilas defended his comments, which he said were taken out of context.[47]

In September 2021, Zempilas was the master of ceremonies of the 2021 AFL Grand Final at Perth's Optus Stadium, the first AFL grand final played in Perth and the second consecutive grand final to be played outside Victoria.[48] In the days leading up to the grand final, Zempilas suggested via Twitter that the crowd at the game should stand and applaud for one minute in recognition of the rest of the country's ongoing struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic. This suggestion drew widespread criticism online, with accusations of it being "tone deaf," "cringeworthy," and "patronising."[49][50] In response to the backlash against his suggestion, Zempilas stated, "I realise it's been received in a mixed way, but let me tell you the intention is pure."[51]

Zempilas subsequently drew public criticism for the manner in which he conducted the post-game ceremony. Zempilas broke tradition by announcing Christian Petracca's Norm Smith Medal win himself, rather than allowing presenter and 2006 winner Andrew Embley to do the honours.[52] Zempilas later insisted that the Norm Smith presentation went as it was supposed to.[53] However, Embley revealed on 3AW's Sportsday, "I said during the week a couple of times when people asked me who's going to win, I actually said Melbourne and Christian Petracca, so I felt like I was just ready, I wasn't going to muck this one up... I got up there and good old Basil just took over from me."[54]

Zempilas also did not allow Simon Goodwin, the coach of the Melbourne Demons, to make a customary victory speech during the post-game ceremony. Goodwin walked onto the stage to receive his Jock McHale Medal from John Worsfold, embraced Demons captain Max Gawn, and looked to make his way to the microphone, but before he could speak, Zempilas invited Garry Lyon to the stage to present the premiership cup to Goodwin and Gawn. The other Melbourne Demons swarmed the stage after Goodwin and Gawn held the cup aloft. The following day, Goodwin admitted he had a speech prepared.[55] Zempilas later apologised for denying Goodwin the chance to make his speech, describing the situation as "regrettable" and "disappointing."[56] The CEO of the AFL, Gillon McLachlan, said, "It was a mistake. Mistakes happen; it was disappointing for Simon, but it was a mistake."[57]

In January 2024, Zempilas was captured on a hot mic apparently referring to the Australian Open women's final as a "reserve game", prior to an interview discussing his political candidacy. Zempilas later said that he was taken out of context, and that he was referring to a "derby" between the reporter Michael Genovese and his partner hosting the news on different channels, which Genovese later confirmed.[58]

Personal life[edit]

In March 2004, a portrait of Zempilas by Perth artist Melinda Mackay was entered in the Archibald Prize,[59] and in the same year he featured in Cleo's 50 Most Eligible Bachelors.[60]

On 6 September 2009, Zempilas married his longtime girlfriend Amy Graham on the island of Kastellorizo, Greece. They have two daughters[61] and a son.[62]

Zempilas owns three properties. His primary residence is a house in Floreat he bought in 2019 for nearly $2 million. He also owns a mansion in North Coogee which he bought in 2007 for $1.6 million and an apartment in Northbridge which he bought in the mid-1990s, his only property within the City of Perth. In 2023, he sold an apartment on Mount Street in West Perth for $1.9 million.[63]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Hewton, Allen (5 December 2013). "Basil Zempilas confirmed to join Steve Mills on 6PR". The Age. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  2. ^ Entwistle, Paul (5 December 2013). "Basil joins Breakfast in 2014". 6PR. Fairfax Radio Network. Archived from the original on 13 January 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  3. ^ a b McRae, Ross (31 October 2013). "Basil Zempilas quits 92.9". The West Australian. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  4. ^ a b Knox, David (9 March 2018). "Basil Zempilas joins Weekend Sunrise". TV Tonight. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  5. ^ Tate, Lee (11 March 2018). "Doing it his way – Basil Zempilas talks about work, family and sport". Have A Go News. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  6. ^ Olgos, Peter (31 July 2020). "Exclusive: Basil Zempilas – 'My heart beats true for Greece and Perth'". The Greek Herald. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  7. ^ Addis, Bee Lay & Hyde, John (2004). "In Touch" (PDF). Murdoch University. Retrieved 6 May 2009.
  8. ^ "WAFL FootyFacts – ZEMPILAS, Basil Anthony".
  9. ^ "Australian Football – Basil Zempilas – Player Bio".
  10. ^ Sanders, Krystal (22 February 2019). "Basil at top of his game after 25 years". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 9 December 2019. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  11. ^ a b "Basil Zempilas set to commentate Olympics". PerthNow. 21 May 2008. Retrieved 2 May 2009.
  12. ^ Pepper, Daile (15 December 2008). "Two for one deal at 92.9FM". WAtoday. Archived from the original on 29 April 2009. Retrieved 2 May 2009.
  13. ^ "Basil Zempilas back on breakfast radio". The West Australian. 5 December 2013.
  14. ^ Cox, Tiffany (20 March 2018). "Busy Basil gears up for footy season". The West Australian. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  15. ^ Knox, David (18 August 2019). "Basil Zempilas to scale back Weekend Sunrise role". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  16. ^ Perry, Kevin (3 October 2019). "Matt Doran confirmed as new Weekend Sunrise host as Basil Zempilas steps aside". TV Blackbox. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  17. ^ Prestipino, David (15 October 2020). "Basil Zempilas to leave 6PR as Seven West Media reins him in". WAtoday. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  18. ^ "Baz adds radio gig to busy schedule". PerthNow. 15 December 2020. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
  19. ^ Knox, David (14 February 2022). "Basil Zempilas to wind back Seven News duties". TV Tonight. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
  20. ^ Emery, Kate (17 January 2020). "Basil's plan to become Perth's next lord mayor". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 18 January 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  21. ^ "Basil Zempilas to depart 6PR if elected as Lord Mayor of Perth". Radio Today. 17 August 2020. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  22. ^ Wilkins, Georgia (24 July 2020). "Conflict of Interest: The West backs a winner for Perth". Crikey. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  23. ^ Hondros, Nathan (22 September 2020). "Zempilas warned over unauthorised use of media platforms for electioneering". WAtoday. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  24. ^ Warriner, Jessica (17 October 2020). "Radio and TV host Basil Zempilas elected new Perth Lord Mayor". www.abc.net.au. Archived from the original on 29 October 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  25. ^ Pascual Juanola, Marta (17 October 2020). "Basil Zempilas defeats Di Bain to become Perth Lord Mayor". WA Today.
  26. ^ Marcuson, Hannah (19 October 2020). "Newly Elected Lord Mayor and Council Sworn-In". perth.wa.gov.au.
  27. ^ de Kruijff, Peter (13 December 2021). "One year down: What has Perth's celebrity Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas achieved?". WAtoday. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  28. ^ de Kruijff, Peter (14 July 2020). "Failing to ignite Perth like 'folding on a perfect poker hand'". WA Today.
  29. ^ Spagnolo, Joe (21 October 2023). "Basil Zempilas re-elected as Lord Mayor of Perth". The West Australian. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  30. ^ Burton, Jesinta (21 October 2023). "'Déjà vu': Basil Zempilas defeats Sandy Anghie for second term as Lord Mayor". WAtoday. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  31. ^ Hastie, Hamish (26 January 2024). "Basil to officially join the Liberals paving way for Churchlands tilt". WAtoday. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  32. ^ Zimmerman, Josh (26 January 2024). "Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas confirms Liberal preselection tilt in Churchlands for WA Parliament". The West Australian. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  33. ^ Darragh, David (31 January 2007). "Zempilas banned from roads for drink driving". The West Australian.
  34. ^ "Zempilas banned for 0.08 offence". PerthNow. 31 January 2007. Archived from the original on 2 February 2007.
  35. ^ Pascual Juanola, Marta (7 October 2020). "Basil Zempilas comments on homelessness become focus for guerrilla artists". WA Today. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
  36. ^ Goodwin, Sam (23 April 2020). "'Worth a shot': Basil Zempilas defends Ben Cousins interview after arrest". Yahoo! Sport. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  37. ^ Olle, Sarah (31 March 2020). "'Beyond grubby, beyond demeaning': Line of questioning over photo slammed". Fox Sports. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  38. ^ Waterworth, Ben (23 April 2020). "'It's one person's fault — and it's not Channel 7': Broadcasters defend Ben Cousins interview criticism". Fox Sports. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  39. ^ Pascual Juanola, Marta (21 August 2020). "Mayoral rival accuses Basil Zempilas of stacking council with family and friends". WA Today.
  40. ^ Pascual Juanola, Marta (15 September 2020). "Property Council lashes Basil Zempilas' plan to hit landowners with 'vacancy tax'". WA Today.
  41. ^ Raphael, Angie (3 November 2020). "TV personality Basil Zempilas has rough start as Perth Lord Mayor". news.com.au.
  42. ^ Towie, Narelle (30 October 2020). "'Forgot I was mayor': Basil Zempilas apologises for transgender comments saying he forgot his position". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  43. ^ "Petition To Sack Basil Zempilas After Transphobic Comments Gains Speed, Draws 11.5k Signatures". B&T Magazine. 31 October 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
  44. ^ Lauren Pilat, Marta Pascual Juanola (3 November 2020). "Basil Zempilas to face angry LGBTQ groups in first council meeting as Lord Mayor". WA Today.
  45. ^ Pride WA, TransFolk of WA (4 November 2020). "A joint update from TransFolk of WA & Pride WA Regarding Comments on 6PT on 28 Oct 2020". Pride WA.
  46. ^ Yussuf, Ahmed Juanola (29 October 2020). "Push to move Perth Pride Festival after Basil Zempilas' 'harmful' comments on gender identity". SBS: The Feed.
  47. ^ Gramenz, Jack (6 March 2021). "Perth mayor Basil Zempilas defends 'on your knees' comment after Christian Porter press conference". news.com.au.
  48. ^ "AFL grand final moves to Perth, will be played at Optus Stadium". The Age. Nine Entertainment. 31 August 2021. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  49. ^ Otto, Tyson (24 September 2021). "Perth's cringeworthy AFL Grand Final gesture divides Australia". news.com.au.
  50. ^ Crelin, Zac (24 September 2021). "Footy fans are torching Perth mayor Basil Zempilas over a 'patronising' gesture". The New Daily.
  51. ^ Cotton, Ben (25 September 2021). "'Intention is pure': Zempilas defends divisive Grand Final gesture". Fox Sports.
  52. ^ Roar, The (26 September 2021). "'Basil cooked that': Footy world outraged over incredible grand final presentation oversight". The Roar.
  53. ^ "'Basil took over': AFL star's claim about Grand Final medal snub". news.com.au. 29 September 2021.
  54. ^ Mottram, Seb (28 September 2021). "Andrew Embley reveals context behind Grand Final Presentation Snub". SEN.
  55. ^ Matthey, James (26 September 2021). "'I got shafted': Simon Goodwin reveals awkward AFL Grand Final snub". news.com.au.
  56. ^ McMurtry, Andrew (28 September 2021). "'I'm sorry': Basil Zempilas responds to AFL Grand Final coach snub". news.com.au.
  57. ^ "The AFL won't lock in a return to a daytime grand final, with the game set to be played back at the MCG in 2020". news.com.au. 27 September 2021.
  58. ^ Trigger, Rebecca (27 January 2024). "Basil Zempilas defends himself after viral tweet causes outrage". ABC News.
  59. ^ Adshead, Gary (6 October 2003). "Baz could make La Gioconda smile". The West Australian.
  60. ^ "Basil Zempilas". au.news.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 2 April 2019. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  61. ^ McHugh, Jillian (31 October 2013). "Basil Zempilas quits Perth radio station 92.9". Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  62. ^ "Basil and Amy Zempilas have a baby boy". 13 July 2017. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
  63. ^ Burton, Jesinta (5 September 2023). "Zempilas shuts down speculation after selling his $1.9m West Perth apartment". WAtoday. Retrieved 26 January 2024.

External links[edit]

Preceded by Lord Mayor of Perth
2020–present 		Succeeded by
Incumbent
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