The Maritime Union of Australia has hit out at the state government's planning in Cockburn Sound, claiming its Westport development cannot coexist with an Aukus base in the area.
The federal government won't commit to stationing more defence personnel permanently in the north-west as it pours millions of dollars into military base upgrades.
Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh has warned 2,000 public sector jobs in WA would be put at risk should the Coalition implement one of its hallmark policies if it wins government in May.
More than 500 homes will be built for defence workers in Rockingham as part of an agreement between Western Australian businesses and the federal government.
A $25 million Kenwick intermodal terminal has officially opened and is set to keep hundreds of thousands of trucks off local roads each year, as part of the government's Westport vision.
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has backed Australia's preparation for any potential conflict in the years ahead, on the first morning of the largest defence gathering in state history.
Soldiers from overseas could join Australia's defence forces under an option being considered to grow the military amid issues with recruitment and retention.
Defence analysts, government bodies and political figures agree that WA needs a dry dock, but how the federal government builds one is less straightforward.
Paul Papalia has told state parliament he's glad to see the federal government commit to building a dry dock in Henderson while disputing whether the project will actually cost $4.3 billion as reported.
Madeleine King, Matt Keogh and Patrick Gorman are among those to have paid tribute to the life and career of Senator Kimberley Kitching, who passed away last night aged 52.
More than $60,000 was spent by federal WA MPs on Facebook advertising over the past three months, according to recent financial disclosures published by the social media giant.
Madeleine King has taken on the resources portfolio in the opposition's frontbench reshuffle as Anthony Albanese has made the bold assertion he will win the next federal election.
A motion to financially secede Western Australia from the federation drew gasps of disbelief around the nation when it was narrowly passed, but even those proposing it admit it's unlikely to happen.
