Commentary The issue of Australia’s relationship with China has been raised several times during the federal election campaign. Last month, it emerged that that the government of the Solomon Islands, which lie only 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles) off Australia’s north-east coast, had agreed to enter into a security deal with China. There has also been…
Western Australia’s China Syndrome
Western Australia’s Government Faces Calls to Increase Spending Amid Budget Surplus
The Opposition and experts in public affairs are calling on Western Australia’s (WA) Labour government to increase its spending to tackle the healthcare and housing crises after the state reported a $5.7 billion (US$3.92 billion) budget surplus in the 2021-2022 financial year. While confirming the surplus and announcing the state budget for 2022-2023, Premier Mark…
Western Australian Opposition Condemns Government’s Extension of Emergency Powers
Western Australian (WA) opposition leader Mia Davies has criticised the McGowan government for using its majority to push through legislation that extends WA’s State of Emergency powers for a further six months. In a release on Wednesday, Davies, also the leader of the WA Nationals, said the premier had sidestepped normal parliamentary processes to avoid…
The Palmer Blitz: Should There Be Limits on Political Advertising in Australia?
Commentary In the 2019 election campaign, billionaire Clive Palmer spent around $80 million (US$60 million) on advertising, including ubiquitous billboards and television and radio ads to promote his United Australia Party (UAP). Although the UAP ran candidates in all 151 electorates, it only received a primary vote of 3.4 percent and failed to elect any…
PM Arrives in Western Australia, Announces Boost to Billion-Dollar City Deal
After touching down in Western Australia (WA), Prime Minister Scott Morrison has made quick work of unveiling a $74 million (US$54 million) federal boost towards the development of key projects in the state’s capital, Perth. It brings the total Perth deal to $1.69 billion (US$1.24 billion), including a new university campus in the heart of…
Western Australia to Tear Down Hard Border as Omicron Spreads
Western Australia will be removing its hard border on Mar. 3 and allowing interstate travel, with the state government admitting rapidly growing Omicron cases were becoming harder to control. Western Australia is the last state to release its border controls as other parts of the country begin to open up and ease restrictions. New compulsory…
West Australian Businesses Offered Compensation for Border Closure
Western Australia (WA) will be spending $77 million to support businesses hit by the state’s continued border closures. WA had planned to reopen its interstate borders for Feb. 5, abruptly backflipping on its decision in fear that two doses of vaccination did not effectively protect against the Omicron variant of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party)…
Suspicious Package Scare at WA Premier’s Office Amid Mandate Backlash
A swathe of chemical specialists, police, ambulance and firefighters appeared at the electorate office of Western Australia (WA) Premier Mark McGowan on Tuesday in response to the discovery of a package filled with an unknown white substance. The item was seized and taken to the WA Chem Centre for analysis, with preliminary testing indicating the…
Australia, a Country Divided by Mandates
Commentary The imposition of vaccine mandates in Australia has divided the country between proponents and opponents of compulsory vaccination. This division has spawned a wave of demonstrations against unrelenting government demands to get vaccinated. On Feb. 5, an anti-vaccination rally was held outside the Old Parliament House in Canberra. The rally supported the “Convoy to…
West Australian Police Shut Down Restaurant for Having Unvaccinated Staff
Western Australia (WA) Police have closed a family restaurant in Perth after a member of the public reported the venue had unvaccinated staff. WA has one of the nation’s broadest proof of vaccination requirements, with all staff and patrons required to be fully vaccinated to enter hospitality, entertainment, and fitness venues. In addition, visitors to…
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