Brothers in Arms Donald and Roger

Have you noticed that the WA Premier seems to be morphing into a Donald Trump acolyte? After winning the last State Election in a landslide having taken over the leadership reins from the State ‘Daddy’ Mark McGowan, Roger Cook told the electorate that he would remain humble. Everything he has done since that day has shown that to be a hollow promise.

Only this last week in State Parliament when faced with some chilling details of the state of hospitals and ambulance ramping he had the audacity to claim that the WA Health system was the envy of the world. The sheer chutzpa of Premier Cook was stunning.

Trump, ever boastful, is usually flanked by a blond sidekick in a red dress. What do we see with Roger Cook? Look no further than Rita Safiotti his blond sidekick in a red dress. Trump uses his assistant to push his lines and to make outrageous statements validating her boss. What do we see here in Western Australia? Safiotti pushing her boss’s lines and making outrageous statements.

Cook like Trump will probably not see another term (he’s coming up to 60 very soon and will be looking to pass on the baton to his eager deputy). The position of Trump’s successor will be fiercely fought over, in Cook’s case there is little doubt who has their ‘eyes on the prize’.

Colin Barnet as the last Liberal Premier wanted to leave a legacy, Elizabeth Quay (named in honour of Queen Elizabeth) was probably less well received than Optus Stadium. Despite a massive cost blow out due to the almost impossible ground works the stadium and surrounding parklands along with the Matagarup Bridge linking the city to Burswood fell to the incoming Labor Government to complete and receive the plaudits.

Cook, like Trump, seems to have a sense that he can do no wrong and is blinkered to any criticism. Instead of listening and taking on board any adverse comments like Trump he deflects and denies. As Lord Acton so accurately noted, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."