Government

Recruiting 800 new police officers and $201 million for remote communities were among the initiatives announced in the state budget today.

The state's public sector workers who have had to accept flat annual pay increases of $1,000 a year for the past four years will have to get used to it.

Both Ben Wyatt and Josh Frydenberg have avoided big reforms to boost productivity this week, with CCI today arguing the state government missed an opportunity.

A second wave of COVID-19 in Western Australia remains the single biggest threat to the state's economy, according to Premier Mark McGowan.

A big boost in royalty income has largely offset the revenue hit of COVID-19, as Treasurer Ben Wyatt borrows in the hope of an infrastructure-led recovery.

Perth-based designer Hassell has secured work on the redevelopment of TAFE's Balga campus, while T&Z Architects has won a contract related to upgrades to Carine Senior High School.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has taken aim at Western Australia and Queensland over their strict border closures, saying they should only be in place for health reasons.

UPDATED: The state government has promised a debt-fuelled record $27 billion infrastructure spend over the next four years in a pre-election budget.

Mathias Cormann has been nominated for the position of secretary general of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

About 2,500 new affordable homes are expected to be supported through an extra $1 billion outlined in the federal budget.

The state government has done little to support struggling households and businesses and left the heavy lifting to the federal government, according to Dean Nalder.

Australia's refugee intake has been quietly cut by 5,000 places a year, leaving advocates up in arms.

Scott Morrison denies his government's budget hinges on a coronavirus vaccine being found next year, saying various tax cuts and business incentives will roll out regardless.

The state government has announced free infrastructure-related training for up to 250 students, as part of a wider $57 million initiative.

Keeping Western Australians safe and creating jobs will be the major focus of a pre-election state budget that is expected to forecast a modest surplus.

Click through for a summary of initiatives in the $74 billion JobMaker package, including a $4 billion wage subsidy and $3.5 billion of research incentives.

Federal net debt is set to peak near $1 trillion, with $416 billion of cash deficits projected as the government locks in higher spending.

The federal government will spend $1.2 billion to create more than 100,000 apprenticeships and traineeships in an effort to boost youth employment.

An instant asset write-off for new business investment and an immediate tax deduction for losses are key measures in the federal budget.

The gradual reopening of other state borders is making it harder to justify following suit in Western Australia, the state's chief health officer says.

Western Australia is expected to deliver a $1.7 billion budget surplus, while the national budget is likely to record a deficit of around $83 billion.

Reserve Bank officials have left the cash rate unchanged at a record low 0.25 per cent, allowing Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's federal budget to have the economic limelight.

Students and displaced workers can now access free short courses on horticulture, as part of the state government's $229 million TAFE investment.

Original federal budget estimates have been blown away by COVID-19, while WA faces a different set of challenges.

University students will soon pay much more for law and arts degrees under controversial changes set to pass the Senate.

Premier Mark McGowan's decision to give every household a $600 credit on their power bill will undoubtedly be a great vote winner, but comes with issues.

The federal finance minister has questioned the wisdom of Western Australia handing down a budget surplus in the middle of a global economic downturn.

The federal government will spend $1.1 billion on Western Australian road and rail projects, as part of a broader infrastructure package.

Every West Australian household will receive a $600 credit towards their electricity bills as part of the upcoming state budget.

Every Western Australian household will receive a $600 credit towards their electricity bills as part of the upcoming state budget.

The Town of Cambridge has had its injunction against Local Government Minister David Templeman upheld by the Supreme Court of WA.

Federal MPs are being urged to develop national principles to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage following the destruction of the Juukan Gorge rock shelters.