Meet Basil
Basil Zempilas was elected as the Liberal Member for Churchlands at the 2025 Western Australian State election. Shortly afterwards, he was elected Leader of the WA Liberal Party and Leader of the Opposition in Western Australia. Mr Zempilas is also the Shadow Minister for State Development; Trade and Investment; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests.
Mr Zempilas is a passionate advocate for Western Australia and is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to pursue excellence regardless of where they live in the State. He leads an Opposition team committed to holding the government to account and advancing the State in the best interests of all Western Australians.
Prior to entering State Parliament, Mr Zempilas was the Lord Mayor of the City of Perth. His five-year tenure was defined by a strong commitment to creating a city for everyone, guided by a strategic vision focused on liveability, sustainability and prosperity. Mr Zempilas was the Chair of the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund which under his stewardship, raised almost $40 million in four separate appeals for communities impacted by natural disasters.
Over the past 30 years, Mr Zempilas has built a prominent media career across television, radio, and print, including hosting and commentary at nine Olympic Games. As well, from 2010 to 2024, he hosted Telethon, the world’s most successful television charity fundraiser, helping to raise more than $688 million for sick children and medical research.
Born in Perth in 1971, Mr Zempilas is fiercely proud of his Greek heritage. His family hails from the island of Kastellorizo. Mr Zempilas holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Comparative Literature from Murdoch University and a Graduate Diploma in Journalism.
He is married to Amy and together, they are raising their three children in the suburb of Floreat, within the Churchlands electorate.
