In 2017, NSW Supreme Court justice Michael Pembroke declared Vito Zepinic a vexatious litigant after numerous unsuccessful legal battles stemming from a dispute over renovations to his Turramurra home. Zepinic continued to lose in court even following his death on January 26 this year. The District Court ruled on a dispute over $10,000 he gave to a former partner, stating that no practical injustice would result if the case was dismissed. Zepinic’s estate did not make any application to continue the proceedings.
The harbourside electorate of Wentworth, once a crown jewel for the Liberal Party, is now less appealing to potential candidates. Incumbent teal independent Allegra Spender has few challengers, with former Deloitte consultant Roanne Knox being the only candidate to put their hand up for preselection. Knox, deputy chair of the Ascham Foundation and owner of a tween-oriented clothing brand, was endorsed as the preselection pick pending state executive approval. Rumors of Peter King, who previously held the seat, making a return were put to rest as Knox remained uncontested.
Cumberland Councillor Steve Christou gained attention for successfully pushing to ban a book on queer parenting without actually reading it. While there was some grumbling within the Labor party over fellow councillor Mohamad Hussein’s vote for the ban, Christou himself had previously been a member of the ALP before quitting in 2019. Former veteran MP Laurie Ferguson, who employed Christou for nearly a decade, expressed disappointment in his extreme direction and close alignment with One Nation. Despite winning the book ban motion, Christou was unsuccessful in getting a seat on the Parramatta Leagues Club board.
Christou’s actions have caused tension within the Labor party, with his extreme views and alliances with One Nation drawing criticism from former colleagues. His controversial push to ban a book on queer parenting, without having read it, has led to grumblings within the party and raised concerns about his political direction. While he was successful in winning the book ban motion, Christou’s unsuccessful bid for a seat on the Parramatta Leagues Club board further highlights the mixed reactions to his actions and decisions. Former MP Laurie Ferguson’s disappointment in Christou’s shift towards extreme views and connections with One Nation reflects broader concerns within the party.
