Government

Attorney-General Christian Porter won't look after Federal Court matters when he returns from mental health leave, due to his defamation action against the ABC.

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.

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.

It's straight back to work for Premier Mark McGowan, as the Liberal Party WA looks to have pulled ahead in the once safe Liberal seat of Churchlands.

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

Perth-based Decmil Group has added $140 million to its order book after securing the works to upgrade a rail line in Victoria, as part of a consortium.

The state's Emergency Management Committee is expected to meet this afternoon to discuss the evolving COVID-19 situation in NSW and Queensland.

Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe says it is important that business investment grows if Australia is to enjoy a strong and durable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attorney-General Christian Porter has launched defamation action against the ABC and journalist Louise Milligan.

Senior Morrison government ministers have played down falling behind Labor in Newspoll after weeks of controversy stemming from rape allegations.

WA Labor candidate Hugh Jones looks to have secured the seat of Darling Range, the last remaining Liberal seat in the east metropolitan fortress.

For the first time in the state's history, the progressive parties may hold the majority in both the lower and upper house.

Mark McGowan said he was humbled by a record win tonight, where the party looks set to pick up more than 50 seats in the 59 seat lower house.

Zak Kirkup said he knew the risks when he took up the Liberal leadership late last year, and said 2021 would not be the end but a beginning.

Blue ribbon Liberal seats such as Churchlands, Nedlands and Carine are line ball as Labor looks set for more than 50 districts in the 59-seat parliament. Click through for eight articles from today's coverage.

The Liberal opposition took a gamble anointing Zak Kirkup as leader late last year.

Regional electorates will be particularly interesting to observe this evening, with Kalgoorlie, Collie-Preston, Geraldton and Albany all figuring as top-tier contests.

Premier Mark McGowan had spent the morning of the state election in the electoral district of Hillarys, the Liberal Party WA seat deemed most likely to fall to WA Labor.

Keep an eye on the two Jack Mac boys tonight - in the neighbouring seats of Bateman and South Perth. They'll be the line between a bad night or a terrible one for the Liberals.

WA Labor's near-insurmountable polling leads appears primed to translate to a landslide win this evening, with a host of notionally safe Liberal-held seats now ripe for the picking.

Former finance minister Mathias Cormann has been chosen as the new secretary-general of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The federal government is maintaining confidence in the AstraZeneca vaccine despite its use being suspended in parts of Europe.

Retiring Liberal MLA John McGrath talked about his involvement in the new stadium, voluntary assisted dying, and passion for horse racing.

A former board member of the disability services commission and a 28-year veteran of consultancy firm Arup round out two major hires at the City of Perth.

On the eve of the state election, Premier Mark McGowan has urged voters not to support the WA Labor Party's “risky” and “inexperienced" opponents.

Zak Kirkup insists he has no regrets as he prepares to lead the West Australian Liberals to a defeat that could spell the end of his own short-lived political career.

Mathias Cormann's bid to become next secretary-general of the OECD has gone into extra time with the contest too close to call just yet.

Planned changes to Australia's disability support scheme will see participants viewed as a number, not individuals, peak groups warn.

Major banks have thrown their support behind the Morrison government's post-JobKeeper scheme but some business groups are far from happy, with one labelling it "second-class support".

Scott Morrison continues to stand by embattled Defence Minister Linda Reynolds as she takes another month off work.

Australia's most senior health officials are set to be grilled about the coronavirus vaccine rollout which is falling short of lofty government targets.

Western Australia's Liberal opposition has failed to provide key details on its policy costings in a shambolic presentation two days before the state election.