Politics
US President Donald Trump has been ruled out of contention for the Nobel Peace Prize, according to experts and analysts. The 2026 winner will be announced on October 9.
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen has declined to reveal the final cost of the pre-COP Pacific meeting, which commenced today in Fiji and Tuvalu. The event aims to bring attention to the Pacific's priorities on the world stage ahead of the COP31 negotiations in Antalya, Türkiye.
US President Donald Trump's recent observation that American ventures into Iraq have been a "very expensive excursion into hell" may ring true for many, given the ongoing struggles in the region. The US military's withdrawal from Iraq has left a vacuum in the fragile state, which is already embroiled in the Iranian war.
The Western Australian government is exploring the possibility of converting a COVID-era quarantine centre into a prison to address the state's overcrowding crisis. Architects have been engaged to investigate the feasibility of repurposing the 500-bed facility in Bullsbrook.
The Town of Claremont has unanimously voted to explore council mergers, a move that could see the western suburbs council combine with neighbouring councils. The decision is a step closer to realising the state government's goal of encouraging local council mergers.
The planned sale of Perth's Irwin and Leeuwin barracks will not see the sites bulldozed for housing, despite being located in highly desirable residential areas. Defence Minister Richard Marles has assured that heritage overlays will limit development, and the sites will be protected by law.
The Greens are set to choose a new leader following Larissa Waters' sudden resignation due to health reasons. The party faces pressure to take a direct stance against the surging One Nation party.
The recent meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump at the White House state dinner highlighted the shifting dynamics between the two global powers. As Xi Jinping looks to his next term, China is no longer playing by American rules, with a greater emphasis on strategic autonomy and technological self-reliance.
The federal government is developing new national standards for artificial intelligence incidents, requiring immediate reporting of rogue AI incidents to affected organisations and Australia's cyber authorities. The move follows OpenAI's delayed notification about a website breach, which has hardened Labor's resolve to impose tougher rules.
Former Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan is tipped to join the board of Southern Cross Media Group, a move that raises integrity concerns given his influential position as former premier. The appointment comes after a merger with Seven West Media, a company controlled by billionaire Kerry Stokes.
The City of Perth's CEO Michelle Reynolds has been sacked amid ongoing governance concerns and an investigation by the local government watchdog. Reynolds was suspended from her job in May and has vowed to appeal the decision.
Three councillors from the Shire of Coorow have resigned after the sudden termination of the CEO's contract, citing a loss of confidence in the remaining council. The CEO, Mia Maxfield, was sacked without warning after six years in the role.
Australia is helping the US investigate how F-35 jet fighter parts were mistakenly diverted to Hong Kong, but Defence Minister Richard Marles says no technologically "sensitive" components have been lost. The incident has raised concerns about potential access by China to technological secrets from the US jet fighter program.
The US and UK have successfully test-fired a heavyweight torpedo from an unmanned undersea vessel, marking a significant breakthrough in submarine technology for the AUKUS alliance. The test demonstrates a major advance in the future of submarine technology, with Western countries rushing to modernise their war-fighting capabilities in the face of threats from Russia and Iran.
Shadow Housing Minister Andrew Bragg is set to propose a plan allowing Australians to use their superannuation to secure a home loan. The proposal aims to make it easier for Australians to buy a home by using their superannuation as collateral for a mortgage or to increase the size of a loan.
World leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, are calling for global controls on artificial intelligence to ensure it remains "under human control". The joint statement warns that the rapid development of AI poses a risk to "safety and security" and that efforts to regulate it are failing.
A fresh inquiry into the City of Perth council has been launched by Local Government Inspector Tony Brown, amid concerns over the council's persistent dysfunction. The move may pave the way for more drastic action, including the potential suspension or dismissal of certain councillors or even the entire council.
The WA government is moving forward with its plan to buy back the state's freight rail network, 26 years after it was privatised. The proposed buyback has sparked debate about the cost and potential impact on the state's economy.
The Australian government has established a 100-strong Border Force team to remove 77,000 visa overstayers, but Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke assures that this will not lead to ICE-style immigration raids. The team will create 250 beds for overstayers to be held for deportation and investigate repurposing buildings as detention centres.
One Nation is facing questions about its vetting processes after a volunteer for the party during a recent West Australian by-election was linked to a neo-Nazi group. David Donis, a founding member of the now-deregistered Society of Western Australian Nationalists, handed out how-to-vote cards for One Nation in the state seat of Secret Harbour last month.
The City of Perth council is set to be investigated by the local government watchdog over dysfunction and governance issues. The inquiry is expected to take three months and cost $120,000.
Western Australian politicians are facing increased scrutiny and abuse on social media platforms, prompting calls for greater accountability online. The issue has sparked debate among politicians, with some calling for greater oversight and others highlighting the need for individuals to speak out against online abuse.
Global conflicts are intensifying, with a resurgence in kinetic warfare and new rounds of economic warfare. A far-right party's triumph in a German state election has sent shockwaves through national politics, with concerns over the party's policies and their implications for European stability.
Politicians are often feeding their internal models with polls and focus groups, but sometimes a genuine conviction politician can cut through the noise. Andrew Hastie has launched a blistering public assault on Pauline Hanson, showing that he is willing to defend his values.
Victoria's roads are in a state of disrepair, with 48 per cent of state roads in poor or very poor condition. Former VicRoads workers say privatisation is to blame for the crumbling roads, citing neglected maintenance and prioritised profits over quality.
Western Australia's opposition has called a $30 million campaign to promote the state's renewable energy transition a waste of money, saying the cash would be better spent on upgrading facilities. The campaign, which includes a global advertising effort, aims to showcase the state's promise to the world.
WA Labor’s Secret Harbour candidate Georgia Tree has refused to back down from past comments criticizing her party's internal culture, while Premier Roger Cook has defended her as a straight-shooter.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s highly centralized leadership style has brought discipline to his cabinet, but relying on one man to settle major policy disputes carries immense political risk. As crucial decisions on migration and gambling reform loom, the PM faces a testing parliamentary sitting week.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has indicated a willingness to compromise on gambling advertising inducements to secure Coalition support. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has raised concerns over parliamentary oversight of the AUKUS agreement.
Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin has delivered a sobering assessment of Australia's progress on safety initiatives. Her inaugural report card warns that underfunded frontline services are failing to keep up with demand while politicians remain by a politically sidelined by political after quiet crises.
WA’s anti-corruption chief Michael Corboy warns that a lack of jurisdiction over private government contractors and severe funding limits are leaving key public services vulnerable to misconduct.
New NAPLAN data reveals nearly 40 per cent of Western Australian Year 3 students are falling short in numeracy, sparking heated debate over classroom funding and teacher burnout.