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Explainers
Expert background and analysis on key issues and news events.
‘We were failed too’: Lynn Cannon’s family devastated over Floreat murders
The sister of a Perth woman murdered by her ex-husband in 2022 claims the family of the Floreat killer were failed by police, saying her family went through “the same situation”.
A steal: Cashed-up, sentimental buyers wanted for Perth’s $75m folly
With more than 80 rooms, this “eastern wonder of the southern hemisphere” promises to be a steal, with estimates it will go at a sliver of the building price.
Jumbo rent rises tipped in Perth due to 12-month limit on increases
One property analyst says the rental crisis is largely the fault of rising taxes combined with failed government policies and interference in the free market.
Stuck in the sand: 2000 homes approved, but no one to build them
There are nearly 2000 homes approved in Perth that have not yet been started, which experts say is an abnormal lag – but there are signs the backlog may soon ease.
Catering to the ultra-rich is a booming business in WA
There’s a new sign that the Perth elite are starting to tip over the line separating the merely rich from the fabulously so.
Wild weather hits Perth, as heavy rain and hail prompts calls for help
WA has been hit by wild weather, with heavy rain, hail and strong winds prompting more than 20 people to call the SES since midnight.
John Poynton on getting on the wrong side of a media mogul
The man widely considered one of Perth’s most successful corporate advisors talks flying, the pressure of a legacy, and his fear that he “wasn’t very bright”.
Proportion of WA students finishing year 12 drops
The number of students in government schools staying until year 12 has plummeted over the past decade, and Western Australia has dropped more than any other.
Floreat murderer ‘did not meet threshold’ of restraining order
The state’s police commissioner has flagged an internal probe into three interactions the family of Mark Bombara had with police before his explosion of violence.
Analysis
Immigration
Higher tolerance for rapists fighting deportation, but zero tolerance for the facts
Australians should have zero tolerance for rape and sexual assault. But when Charles William Davidson had to answer for 59 sex offences, he was shown clemency instead.
Opinion
Property market
Two weeks after the budget, I’ve realised I missed its most surprising revelation
The budget papers include a long statement spelling out what’s wrong with housing with a candour I’ve not seen before.
Ross Gittins
Economics Editor
How direction 99 is putting Immigration Minister Andrew Giles under pressure
Giles is under fire over a ministerial direction that has been linked to several legal decisions to allow foreign-born criminals to stay in Australia.
It’s truffle season! Here’s where to taste WA’s black gold
Long table dinners, intimate cooking classes, boozy brunches … there are opportunities galore to explore WA’s food bowl here. Not to mention plenty of star power.
Cold Chisel to reunite and tour Australia, including Perth
Australia’s most distinguished rock’n’roll band has announced a 50th anniversary tour.
THE PEOPLE OF PERTH
They help kickstart our days, but what does it take to be a top barista?
Three masters of the espresso machine explain why it takes more than an excellent brew to make the perfect coffee shop experience.
Three things I love: Perth’s banh mi royalty share their day on a plate
Warning: after reading about a typical Saturday “food adventure” for Perth’s “banh mi king and queen” and their Mini-Me, your cravings will be uncontrollable.
Western Australia
Floreat murderer ‘did not meet threshold’ of restraining order
The state’s police commissioner has flagged an internal probe into three interactions the family of Mark Bombara had with police before his explosion of violence.
Paying green hydrogen’s way in WA will be harder than the hype
A cautionary tale for Australian companies rushing into the clean fuel business: from optimism a few years ago, Yara now finds green hydrogen is a long way away.
How WA police narrowed a 3500-strong family tree down to one alleged rapist
WA Police began with 3500 potential suspects in the 1991 sex assault. Groundbreaking technology helped them to narrow it down to one accused perpetrator.
‘I want answers’: Daughter of Floreat killer says she warned police about ‘imminent threat to lives’
Mark Bombara’s daughter Ariel Bombara says serious concerns about her father and his guns were raised with WA Police multiple times in the lead up to the murders of Jenny and Gretl Petelczyc .
Updated
Environmental activism
Whitby removes ex-Chevron employee from gas appeal
Environment Minister Reece Whitby decided to remove Murdoch University Professor Simon McKirdy to maintain public confidence in the appeal committee’s work.
Politics
How direction 99 is putting Andrew Giles under pressure
The minister is under fire over a direction that has been linked to several legal decisions to allow foreign-born criminals to stay in Australia.
Business
It could cost you thousands, so how do you pick a good super fund?
Many of us don’t think twice about what super fund we get put in, but poor performance can cost you thousands. Here’s what you should look out for.
World
‘Two-bit big shot’: Robert De Niro unleashes on Donald Trump outside hush money trial
As closing arguments began in the former president’s historic trial, the Hollywood star made a surprise appearance in Lower Manhattan.
Opinion
Explore
Property
Jumbo rent rises tipped in Perth due to 12-month limit on increases
One property analyst says the rental crisis is largely the fault of rising taxes combined with failed government policies and interference in the free market.
Perth’s got 2000 homes approved, but no one to build them
There are nearly 2000 homes approved in Perth that have not yet been started, which experts say is an abnormal lag – but there are signs the backlog may soon ease.
Good Food
Lifestyle
‘It’s quite unusual’: The five infections making Queenslanders so sick
The preferred antibiotic to treat ‘walking pneumonia’ in children is in short supply, as a wave of respiratory illnesses spreads across Queensland.
Opinion
University
What’s the point of going to uni? It’s a question I’m still asking
Flynn Shan Benson
Graduate, essay prize winner
Culture
Like Jane Austen with Asian people: Kevin Kwan’s new novel
The author of Crazy Rich Asians returns with another outrageous comedy of manners, family and money. So much money.
Traveller
Drivedrive
From Our Partners
Sport
‘Toxic and unwelcome’: The issue driving young people out of community sport
A new study revealed more than half of LGBTQ young people in community sport have witnessed some form of homo/bi/transphobia, while 40 per cent reported first-hand experiences of being discriminated against.
‘I’ve maintained my innocence all along’: Fagan welcomes potential court hearing into racism saga
Brisbane Lions coach and former Hawthorn staffer Chris Fagan says he’d welcome the chance to tell his side of the story of the Hawks’ racism saga in court.
Updated
French Open
No-fuss Demon exacts revenge to breeze into second round at Roland-Garros
Alex de Minaur is the first Australian into the second round at Roland-Garros after a five-hour rain delay and watching five compatriots exit the claycourt major on the first two days.
‘I’m a bleeder’: Weitering nurses leg injury, Power delay call on their skipper
Jacob Weitering has been nursing corkie issues but is ready to marshal the defence as the Blues seek to make history in Adelaide on Thursday, coming as Port Adelaide wait to make a call on the fitness of their captain.
Nine tries in four starts: Will Wallabies unleash the ‘Junkyard Dog’?
Reds rookie Tim Ryan has become a cult hero with a series of sizzling tries that have to be seen to be believed. And he is NSW’s problem this week.
Who is your club likely to pick in the mid-season draft?
The AFL’s annual mid-season rookie draft will be held on Wednesday.
Why the ‘Matildas effect’ isn’t slowing down
The two friendlies against China have been sold out for weeks.
Have Your Say
Inside the Blues campaign: Why Maguire wants the spirit of ’85
The NSW coach has called on past glories to inspire his team for the 2024 State of Origin series.
Roy Masters
Sports Columnist