Michael Barnes

SPECIAL REPORT: A small group of ministers and backroom advisers close to Mark McGowan will set the agenda for the new state government.

Opinion: The opposition leader has broken publicly with many of his colleagues to question the ongoing sustainability of the Royalties for Regions program.

The day is nearing when dividends going out of WA exceed the capital coming.

What are the qualifications that make an individual suited to sit on a government board?

A likely change of power in Canberra this year will have little bearing on the makeup of WA’s political and business leaders. Click through to see our updated ranking of WA's 50 Most Influential.

Surging salary costs and sagging royalty revenue have done little to harm the state’s finances, with today’s mid-year budget review showing a minor improvement in the government's projected surplus.

ANALYSIS: Mark McGowan’s ministerial reshuffle was in many respects a sideshow – real power in the government remains with a small group of ministers and advisers close to the premier.

Our annual update of WA’s 50 most influential people analyses those using their role and profile to make a difference.

Long-serving state government under-treasurer Michael Barnes will take up a key role in the battle to retain WA’s share of GST distribution, ahead of a review to be handed down in 2026.

Our weekly appointments wrap includes Mark Norwell, Bill O’Keeffe, Derek Hays, Brook McGowan, Michael Barnes, Tim Ungar, Charlie Gunningham, and Nathan Drudi.

Outgoing under treasurer Michael Barnes has revealed a $2.7 billion revenue uptick in the state’s economic forward projections, driven by the flow-on effects of a weak Australian dollar.