Michelle Roberts

Western Australia will experience a bigger police presence on its streets this summer but without more officers being hired.

A senior bureaucrat accused of Western Australia's biggest public sector theft is understood to be in a critical condition in hospital after an incident at his Perth home.

Curtin University has officially opened its Midland campus, part of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority’s plan to reposition the former railway workshops as a medical and education hub.

Seven regional roads in Western Australia, including Great Eastern Highway and Indian Ocean Drive, will receive $17.5 million worth of upgrades this financial year in efforts to improve safety and prevent run-off crashes.

The federal government’s $130 billion wage subsidy package clears its first hurdle, Western Australia records an additional 11 cases of COVID-19, and Premier Mark McGowan pledges millions to expand the state’s police force.

Police stations and a Kalamunda hospital are set to receive more than $100 million worth of upgrades under the latest instalment of the state government’s economic recovery plan.

A busy Cockburn intersection is set to benefit from $7 million worth of road upgrades, targeting improved safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

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.

WA Labor amassed a significant fundraising advantage this past financial year as unions, law firms and sitting members opened their wallets to fill the party’s coffers.

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

Does WA need the hundreds of new police officers it’s set to recruit over the next four years?

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.

Labor’s left faction is set to dominate cabinet appointments as key figures from the party’s right flank are shifted out of the ministry.

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.

The Nationals will hold just four seats in the lower house after former party leader Terry Redman lost the South West seat he’s held since 2013 this morning.

Mark McGowan has expanded the number of members serving as parliamentary secretaries, possibly foreshadowing future ministerial appointments.

ANALYSIS: The dumping of Peter Tinley from the ministry was one topic premier Mark McGowan struggled to explain adequately today.

What role will unions and factions play in Mark McGowan’s second term?

Western Australia's first female speaker of the Legislative Assembly has promised to "preside without fear or favour" while ensuring respect for women.

Michelle Roberts has forged a political career the envy of many since coming to the attention of Labor Party talent scouts in 1988.

Political editor Gary Adshead talks about his interview with Michelle Roberts and the former police minister's journey from Labor Party stalwart to Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

Michelle Roberts has become the latest Labor parliamentarian to call time ahead of the 2025 state election, relinquishing her preselection in an announcement to parliament today.