Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas has hit back at criticism from the Premier for being in South Africa for a water conference the same day a women’s shelter in East Perth closed.

The Safe Night Space shut it’s doors after a six-month extension put forward by Perth City Council reached it’s end date.

Mr Zempilas told Gary Adshead on 6PR Mornings the trip abroad had been planned for a long time and was important.

Since the weekend the Premier, the Deputy Premier, Sabine Winton, John Carey and Sue Ellery have all either used parliament or press conferences to attack me personally for a decision of Council that was made back in February,” Mr Zempilas said.

Press PLAY to hear more about the debate over Perth’s Safe Night Space

Image: Jesinta Burton/Nine News