Decisions, government and civic life shaping Perth.
Politics
Latest changes to WA’s housing and planning rules are set to bring more apartments and social housing to Perth’s middle-ring suburbs, while some existing homeowners may see more construction and fewer guarantees for neighbourhood character.
By Perth Policy Desk · 25 July 2026 · 3 min read
Politics
Australia's constitutional design leaves Perth and all West Australians without the citizen-initiated referendum mechanisms common in other democracies, a gap that shapes how policy changes on everything from iron ore royalties to public transport actually reach voters.
By Perth Policy Desk · 25 July 2026 · 4 min read
Politics
Changes to local government planning authority could speed up apartment and townhouse approvals in established suburbs, but leave councils with less say over neighbourhood character.
By Perth Policy Desk · 25 July 2026 · 2 min read
Politics
Residents along approved Metronet corridors in Perth's north will gain direct rail access to the CBD, whereas households in outer eastern suburbs continue to rely on buses and roads for work and school travel.
By Perth Policy Desk · 25 July 2026 · 2 min read
Politics
Australia's building crisis worsens as the government falls behind, intensifying Perth's affordability crisis and straining local markets.
By The Daily Perth · 25 July 2026 · 1 min read
Politics
As inflation pressures persist, Perth families are eligible for a mix of targeted payments and tax adjustments, but combined impact remains modest relative to local cost-of-living pressures.
By Perth Policy Desk · 25 July 2026 · 2 min read
Politics
Perth residents in suburbs near HMAS Stirling stand to see more defence-related employment under the contracts, while candidates note the distribution differs from shipbuilding hubs in South Australia and Victoria.
By Perth Policy Desk · 25 July 2026 · 2 min read
Politics
South Australia is planning to overhaul speed limits and age restrictions for e-bikes and e-scooters, moves that may influence Western Australian policy makers.
By The Daily Perth · 25 July 2026 · 1 min read
Politics
Legislation passed this week to reinstate human oversight of funding decisions means Perth residents denied home care packages may now have their cases reviewed by staff rather than algorithm alone.
By Perth Policy Desk · 25 July 2026 · 2 min read
Politics
Canberra's latest budget delivers mixed fortunes for Perth, with major transit upgrades offset by modest household relief measures that fall short of addressing WA's rising living costs.
By Perth Federal Desk · 19 July 2026 · 3 min read