Government

Premier Mark McGowan has announced a gradual easing of lockdown restrictions from midnight tonight, as the state records its second day with no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19.

The state's health department has confirmed that a positive test result has been returned this afternoon, the second case of community transmission in WA in 24 hours.

WA has recorded no new local cases of COVID-19, as those in the Perth and Peel regions spend their first day in lockdown.

The federal government has promised $100 million aimed at protecting the ocean and marine life by working on ways for coastal ecosystems to absorb carbon.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says he's aware of growing labour shortages impacting WA and the federal government will be working with states to find a resolution.

Premier Mark McGowan has announced a three-day lockdown of the Perth and Peel regions.

Australia has left the door open to even harsher inbound travel restrictions for India as hotel quarantine cases continue to rise.

There's likely to be pain ahead as government stimulus packages run out and interest rates rise.

The Town of Cottesloe is still not sold on Gary Dempsey Developments' $22 million beachfront apartment plan, recommending that the proposal be refused for a second time.

Victorian authorities are working to contain a potential COVID-19 outbreak after a Melbourne man tested positive for the virus after landing on a flight from Perth.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says the surprising strength in Australia's labour market has justified ending the JobKeeper wage subsidy, despite calls for it to be extended.

Root and branch renewal must be undertaken to improve the Liberals' parlous performance in WA.

The minister responsible for reducing Australia's emissions has brushed off calls to bolster targets to curb climate change.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is confident iron ore exports won't be dented by Australia's diplomatic battle with China, while spotlighting technology and skilled migration for economic recovery.

UPDATE: National cabinet has agreed to limit repatriation flights from India as that country's COVID-19 infection rate soars.

UPDATE: Australians over the age of 50 will be able to get the AstraZeneca vaccine from next month as the nation's leaders reset the coronavirus jab rollout.

Another half a billion-dollar cheque has been written by the federal government to help Australia foster international partnerships on clean energy technology.

A deal between the state government and Indonesia has been approved by the federal foreign minister, but four Victorian agreements will be cancelled.

Australia's coronavirus vaccine rollout is facing a critical juncture as Prime Minister Scott Morrison prepares to meet with premiers and chief ministers to rejig the program.

The head of national financial advocacy group Women in Super has called on the federal government to reinstate the gender budget statement.

Former staffer Brittany Higgins plans to push the prime minister for changes to workplace culture in Parliament House when the two meet as early as next week.

Western Australia has secured hosting rights to one of the most watched games on Australian television, with the State of Origin set to be held at Perth's Optus Stadium in June 2022.

The state government won't ease coronavirus restrictions on Anzac Day services despite some local events being cancelled.

Former treasurer Ben Wyatt has been appointed to the board of medical research organisation Telethon Kids Institute, his first role since leaving from politics.

Scott Morrison has pledged to protect industry on the road to net zero and shows no signs of increasing Australia's emissions reduction targets for 2030.

The air force's relationship with WA continues to grow in importance.

An investigation is now underway after four Royal Perth Hospital staff were forced into quarantine over two alleged COVID-19 personal protective equipment breaches.

The minutes of the Reserve Bank's April board meeting have reiterated that the cash rate will stay at a record low 0.1 per cent until 2024.

Australia's health experts say even with the proposed reset of the COVID-19 vaccination program there is no way of putting a timetable on its completion.

The prime minister says a $120 billion deregulation package in next month's budget will aim to put business in the driving seat of Australia's economic recovery.

A formal opposition alliance has been struck between the state's Liberal and National parties, mirroring similar power-sharing arrangements between the parties implemented throughout the 2010s.

Former union state secretary Helen Creed has been appointed to the board of Water Corporation, the third new director in a year.