Fran Logan

Western Australia will get an $80 million specialist rural fire division at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, as recommended in an independent report into the deadly Yarloop bushfire.

SPECIAL REPORT: The state government appears to be tacking away from using contracting in public services provision, but the work of Serco is an example of how private businesses can bring cutting-edge innovation into the space.

Perkins Builders has been awarded an early works contract as part of the state government’s $23.7 million upgrade to the Bunbry Regional Prison.

Malaga-based Frontline Fire & Rescue Equipment has been awarded two contracts, valued at $75 million and $50 million, from the state government to manufacture modern firefighting vehicles.

Contractor Sodexo will exit a loss-making contract running Melaleuca female prison in April, about four years after the facility opened, following a December agreement for the government to take over operations.

Construction has commenced on the Bushfire Centre of Excellence based at Nambeelup near Mandurah, with Perkins Builders contracted to deliver the site’s $18 million build.

The state government has said it will commit $20 million to improving recycling in WA as part of an effort to boost local waste processing.

Fran Logan has become the second state government minister to announce his retirement ahead of next year's election.

The state government has committed to building a new modern emergency services training academy to replace the ageing Forrestfield facility.

Crothers Construction has secured work on the state government’s $12.3 million Greenough female prison project.

Western Australian Treasurer Ben Wyatt has abandoned plans to stay on in politics, announcing he will retire at the next election.

At least six Labor Party MPs are in contention for promotion to fill Cabinet vacancies if the McGowan Government is returned at the State election in March.

The contenders have had to readjust their traditional campaigning approach because of the sharp rise in early voting.

A $65 million expansion plan set to make Casuarina Prison the state’s largest is expected to be given the green light later this week.

A family-owned business in Canning Vale has been contracted to build up to 300 firefighting vehicles, as part of the state government’s bushfire response.

Ahead of the state election, Mark McGowan spoke to Business News about his track record, future plans and ministerial team.

For very different reasons, both major political parties in WA have some tough calls to make.

The second McGowan government is set for big changes, with two of the premier's three closest advisers resigning and minister Peter Tinley believed to have been demoted.

There are still three seats in doubt in the Legislative Assembly as the vote count continues this afternoon, with Nationals MP Terry Redman and Liberal Sean L'Estrange at risk of losing their seats.

Where will dozens of departing members of state parliament find themselves in the months ahead?

Rio Tinto is planning to purchase some of its iron ore rail cars from local suppliers, in what would be a small but notable boost for WA manufacturing.

Fran Logan, a former minister under premiers Geoff Gallop, Alan Carpenter and Mark McGowan, will chair a community reference committee for a proposed marine park in WA's southeast.

A costly public investment in a private company has come up short, and with it an opportunity for more public housing.