National / Wa

As Michael Zhang, a political journalist with over 15 years navigating the intricate corridors of policy and power, I’ve seen countless local initiatives blossom, wither, or morph into something entirely unexpected. Today, my gaze turns to Fremantle, a port city with a rich, often boisterous, political pulse, and a fresh gambit to tackle an issue that’s been smouldering on its doorstep: illegal tobacco sales. Fremantle’s Bold Gambit: Snuffing Out the Tobacco Wars The City of Fremantle is on the cusp of a significant regulatory change, proposing to amend its local planning laws with a singular, determined objective: to curb the pervasive issue of illegal tobacco sales, particularly those concentrated around convenience stores in the central business district. This isn’t just a minor tweak to bylaws; it’s a direct intervention, a policy move designed to address a complex socio-economic and public health challenge through the lens of urban governance. ...

The Uncomfortable Truth of Unit 18: A Premier’s Dilemma vs. a Coroner’s Urgency Having spent over 15 years immersed in the often-turbulent waters of political journalism, I’ve seen my share of dilemmas where the pragmatic realities of governance clash head-on with moral imperatives. The recent call by Coroner Philip Urquhart to “urgently” shut down Western Australia’s notorious Unit 18, juxtaposed with Premier Roger Cook’s stark assessment that it’s “the best solution we have at the moment,” is a classic example of this deeply uncomfortable political tightrope walk. ...

Beyond the Bust: What the Malaga Seizure Tells Us About WA’s Political Landscape and the Fight Against Organised Crime Another day, another significant law enforcement operation in Western Australia. When the news broke – WA Police seizing 11kg of drugs and 11 firearms from a Malaga storage unit – my initial thought, after 15+ years covering political news and policy analysis, wasn’t just about the sheer volume of contraband. It was about the intricate web of political decisions, government policy, and operational challenges that underpin such a success, and what it signals for our state and national governance. ...

WA’s Top Cop Stands Firm: A High-Stakes Bet on Public Safety and Political Resolve After 15 years covering the political beat, you develop an instinct for when a story isn’t just news, but a bellwether for deeper political and societal tensions. The recent pronouncements from Western Australia’s top cop, doubling down on the controversial ‘sovereign citizen’ gun ban, is precisely that. It’s a move that, on the surface, appears to be about public safety, but beneath it lies a complex web of government policy, individual liberties, and the ever-present tug-of-war in our democracy. ...

The Perth Royal Show Slump: More Than Just Rides, It’s a Political Barometer Let’s be frank, when the news broke about the Perth Royal Show’s attendance numbers taking a noticeable dip, my first thought, after years covering the machinations of government, wasn’t just about showbags or carnival rides. It was, “Here’s another data point for the political analysis desk.” This isn’t just about a fun day out; it’s a telling indicator, a pulse check on the public mood, economic strain, and ultimately, the efficacy of government policy. ...