Category: mark mcgowan

New High-Powered Weapons Ban a Smokescreen for Real Problems: Industry

Moves to implement the toughest firearm controls in Australia have been met with accusations that it is nothing more than a smokescreen for weak action on high crime rates and cost of living problems. On Feb. 14, the Western Australian (WA) Labor government announced a new ban on high-powered firearms able to fire over long…


Western Australia Premier to Visit China for First Time Since Pandemic

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan has announced his decision to visit China for the first time in four years.  McGowan said the visit is a “great opportunity” to strengthen partnerships with the Chinese communist leaders, as well as industry leaders across energy, resources, science and innovation, international education, and aviation.  It will be the first visit…


WA Premier Eyes China Visit as Relations Improve

Mark McGowan is set to become the first Australian state premier to travel to China since before the COVID-19 pandemic as tensions thaw between the two nations. Western Australia’s premier has confirmed he plans to visit Beijing in late April to discuss the lucrative trade relationship between the two parties. He also expects to visit Guangzhou…


WA Government Eyes Solution to Carnarvon Booze Problem

Alcohol restrictions are likely to be introduced in Carnarvon to help the West Australian tourist town deal with a spike in antisocial behaviour. Additional police have been sent to the northern coastal town in WA’s Gascoyne region, where businesses have been burgled, and a police vehicle was allegedly rammed by a stolen car last month….


Mining State Western Australia to Legislate Net-Zero by 2050

The Western Australian (WA) Labor government will formally enshrine net-zero emissions in law by 2050 and reduce government emissions by 80 percent by the end of this decade. The policy, to be introduced to parliament this year, will create statutory requirements to set emission reduction targets for businesses and investors and provide a framework for the…


Western Australia’s ‘Worst Flooding Ever Seen’ Spurs Visit From PM

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is joining Premier Mark McGowan to witness first-hand the devastation wrought by the once-in-a-century flood to the Kimberly region in Western Australia. The tour will be centred around Fitzroy Crossing, a small desert town that bore the brunt of the flood waters dumped by ex-tropical cyclone Ellie. The waters of…


The Newly Rebranded Emergency Powers Could Turn Western Australia Into a Police State

Commentary A state of emergency has been in place in Western Australia (WA) since March 15, 2020. This has given its government extraordinary powers to impose draconian rules and restrictions with the stroke of a pen. These measures are currently renewed every two weeks by the simple signature of the emergency services minister, Stephen Dawson….


Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan Sought Defamation Resolution From Clive Palmer

An offer to resolve the defamation proceedings between Mark McGowan and Clive Palmer last year was rejected by the billionaire, a court has been told. Federal Court Justice Michael Lee is set to determine costs arising from the trial after finding Palmer and the West Australian premier had defamed each other. Judgment will be delivered…


Western Australia Phases out More COVID-19 Restrictions

Based on the latest health advice, more of Western Australia’s COVID-19 public health measures will be scrapped as of Wednesday, June 1. Unvaccinated Australians or permanent residents returning to Western Australia from overseas will no longer be quarantined for seven days, and the previous weekly cap of 70 unvaccinated returning Australians will no longer apply….


Nationals MP Defends Peter Dutton after Western Australian Premier’s Derogatory Remarks

Australian National Party member of parliament (MP) and the former agricultural minister David Littleproud has defended the new Liberal leader front runner Peter Dutton following Western Australian Labor premier Mark McGowan’s less than flattering comments about the former defence minister on Monday. Littleproud called Dutton pragmatic and said he feels Dutton will provide the balance…