Peter Kennedy

There’s plenty on the line for all contenders at the upcoming half-Senate election in WA, following the loss of 1,370 ballot papers at last year’s poll.

It takes a fair degree of political skill to effect changes to even the most unpopular of taxes.

Colin Barnett has every reason to cheer the goals set out for the national commission of audit, but it’s follow-through that counts.

The sale of state assets will always be unpopular with some sections of the community.

Federal and state issues will intersect sharply in Western Australian politics over the next few months because of uncertainty over whether a new half Senate election will be ordered following the debacle over last September's poll.

The honeymoon period for the coalition government, if indeed there was one, is over.

Having had its influence eroded at this year’s state poll and now their dynamic leader, Brendon Grylls, the Nationals face a tough road to stay competitive.

A slowing of capital works spending and a brake on public sector recruitment are among the premier’s measures for reining-in debt.

WA Labor is hoping to rediscover its mojo on the back of the recent federal leadership contest, and the Barnett government’s inertia.