Politics
Western Australia
Ellenbrook line opens 16 years after it was first promised
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, WA Premier Roger Cook and Federal Infrastructure Catherine King muscled through crowds of interested locals and train enthusiasts as they opened the five new stations on Sunday morning.
- by Hamish Hastie
Latest
Analysis
Basil Zempilas
Basil’s ‘10 things’ megaphone may be about to be taken from him
It has been deployed during two successful mayoral campaigns and now his state politics tilt but could Basil’s Top Ten column’s days be numbered?
- by Hamish Hastie
Extension sought for Burswood twin tower apartment development
In applying for a four-year extension, the developer’s representatives said “competing priorities” across the precinct had led to a change of direction.
- by Claire Ottaviano
Exclusive
Smoking & vaping
Four-year-olds caught vaping in WA schools but suspensions down
Last November the state government introduced new policies to police vaping in schools – are they working?
- by Connor McGoverne
Updated
Regional Australia
Opposition calls for review of capped airfares program as Karratha flights boom
The program has ballooned in cost from $19 million to more than $100 million over three years.
- by Hamish Hastie
Analysis
Liberal Party
‘Clan’ powerbroker back in the fold as Mettam rebuilds frontbench with old parts
WAtoday understands Nick Goiran has fallen back in favour with Mettam after the leadership challenge and will return to her frontbench.
- by Hamish Hastie
Updated
Liberal Party
Marketing guru steps away from Zempilas’ campaign after ‘deep regrets’ over Mettam polling conflict
Libby Mettam says there are still questions to be answered. “There is still a businessman, a cowardly businessman hiding in the shadows, who is willing for Ben Small, Basil Zempilas and Cam Sinclair to wear the full brunt of this,” she said.
- by Hamish Hastie
Updated
Basil Zempilas
Zempilas’ campaign manager facilitated secret leadership poll for mystery businessman
Ammo Marketing founder and Basil Zempilas’ two-time mayoral campaign manager Cam Sinclair confirmed to WAtoday that his agency arranged the polling that triggered a leadership challenge.
- by Hamish Hastie
Graphic content
Domestic violence
‘A terrifying game of cat and mouse’: Floreat murderer’s daughter speaks at DV rally
Ariel Bombara has revealed her abusive father was on the phone to her mother when he murdered her best friend and her best friend’s daughter.
- by Hamish Hastie and Heather McNeill
Summer of thrifty ride: Government brings back free transport, flags public holiday change
In an event-studded Perth weekend, the state government has announced a repeat of last year’s free public transport over summer.