Perth Voice Interactive

BLOOD is thicker than water, even amongst blue-blooded members of the Liberal party.

Seeking re-election to Lawley ward, which he’s held for 20 years, Cr Rod Willox was stunned to discover Professor Ray Wills had nominated to run against him.

Prof Wills is the brother of the Liberals’ Perth division president Fay Duda—and she is managing her brother’s election campaign.

“I’ve been a Liberal party member for around 40 years and have known and been on good terms with Fay for ages,” Cr Willox told the Voice.

“So I was very disappointed when I found out she was managing her brother’s campaign and he was running against me. I appreciate they are brother and sister, but where’s the party loyalty?”

Prof Wills works with his sister as a lobbyist and sustainability advisor at Duda & Wills and says he is not a member of any political party.

“I have voted for Rod in previous campaigns and respect what he has done for the community, but it’s time for a change, ” he says. “My sister is helping to manage my campaign and has authorised my flyers, but me standing has nothing to do with the Liberal party at all.

“In my job you have to do deal with people from all sides of politics and be politically unaligned.”

Prof Wills, 51, is spruiking sustainable public transport, including a proposed light rail route from Mirrabooka to Perth’s CBD.

A former board member of the Stirling city centre alliance, he is also keen on enhancing parks, cycleways and recreational areas in Lawley ward.

“Using my experience in sustainability and planning, I would like to make sure that Stirling gets the best light rail system possible,” the Menora resident says.

Prof Wills has a PhD in ecology and in 2011 was recognised by Singapore-based ABC Carbon as one of the Top 100 global leaders in sustainability.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK