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Many smart people are having their say about the proposal, and Ben Harvey doesn’t think there’s much that he can add to the debate other than to question whether bigger really is better.

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Size doesn’t matter in WA university merger barney

Many smart people are having their say about the proposal, and Ben Harvey doesn’t think there’s much that he can add to the debate other than to question whether bigger really is better.

Ben Harvey

Ben Harvey

Nat Locke

THAT’S LIFECan adults buy merit stickers? Asking for a strange friend

My dentist recently praised my “excellent oral hygiene” and I felt 10 feet tall. It turns out I still absolutely thrive on positive feedback.

Nat Locke

Adrian Barich for STM. Michael Wilson

BEING BARRAThe hardest call any pet owner has to make

You’ve heard me talk about the loss of a pet. I’m not sure you’d see me at my local IGA buying food to spread around Subiaco, but I do know that the loss of our pet rabbit Kevin hit me hard.

Adrian Barich

The Little Telethon Stars Paige McKay, Olivia Street and Aiden Narsico are in pictured with Fat Cat in the lobby of Crown Towers.

opinion
opinion
Editorial
opinion
Telethon is Western Australia at our very best

The story of Telethon is one about which we can all be proud.

It’s been a terrible few months for Roger Cook and Labor.

opinion
opinion
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WA Labor can’t stop stuffing up as finger pointing begins

For anyone who thought Labor’s disastrous Secret Harbour by-election campaign was a blip, the events of the past month suggest otherwise, writes Joe Spagnolo.

Joe Spagnolo

4-year-old Olive Hay has been diagnosed with dopa-responsive dystonia, also known as Segawa syndrome, as well as seizures and a suspected channelopathy.

opinion
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EditorialPremium
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Telethon’s back to continue a proud record

On Saturday and Sunday, RAC Arena and the Perth CBD will come alive as Western Australia unites for the 59th Telethon.

The West Australian

Anthony Albanese has a ready-made successor to Jim Chalmers and a change of treasurer can’t come soon enough.

opinion
opinion
Federal PoliticsPremium
opinion
Nation can’t afford Chalmers any longer, change is needed

Anthony Albanese has a ready-made successor to Jim Chalmers and a change of treasurer can’t come soon enough.

Paul Murray

Dr Ben Piggott and Dr Jenny Conlon.

opinion
opinion
JUSTIN LANGERPremium
opinion
What would it take for you to change how you live?

During the week I sat with Associate Professor Dr Ben Piggott from the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle. He said something that struck a chord.

Justin Langer

Arriving at the South entrance of Parliament House, Basil Zempilas.

opinion
opinion
Basil ZempilasPremium
opinion
Inquest call is right but delay is typical of weak Premier

Finally. After an unexplainable and excruciating delay, the Attornery-General has relented and ordered a coronial inquest into the deaths of the Hawke children. Why did it take so long?

Basil Zempilas

Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock.

opinion
opinion
EditorialPremium
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The RBA is on a jobs and inflation tightrope

The news that the RBA Governor’s base salary has climbed above $1 million will add to the pain for those struggling to make ends meet and to cover their seemingly ever-rising housing loan repayments.

The West Australian

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti at Cannington Train Station.

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OpinionPremium
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SAFFIOTI: Fair go for West Aussies running smoothly on track

A big week in Parliament as we have debated legislation to bring Western Australia’s regional rail network back into public control.

Rita Saffioti

Resources Minister Madeleine King.

opinion
opinion
EditorialPremium
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Canberra should stay out of WA gas policy

In looking to give itself a role in WA’s gas regulation, the Albanese Government is searching for a solution to a non-existent problem.

Letters to the editor must contain the author’s full name, address and daytime contact number.

Letter to the EditorLetter to the Editor: More lights needed on Menang Drive

More lights are required on the Albany Ring Road before an accident happens, writes Albany resident Mario Lionetti.

Mario Lionetti

Anthony Albanese says it was his sole decision to delay a move to stop credit cards being used to pay the ATO.

opinion
opinion
Federal PoliticsVideo
opinion
Credit card stoush lays bare Chalmers and Albanese enmity

CAMERON MILNER: Insecure Anthony Albanese couldn’t let his much smarter Treasurer have a single moment in the sun.

Cameron Milner

Ambulance ramping outside the emergency department of Royal Perth Hospital on Monday, June 1, 2026. Seven ambulances were lined up outside the hospital.

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opinion
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Finger-pointing won’t fix WA’s ailing health system

It’s not just ageing boomers who will suffer. We all will, as a result of the domino effect.

Jessica Page

Jessica Page

‘The State Government’s decision to evaluate the business case for bringing three universities together deserves serious and constructive consideration,’ says Diane Smith-Gander & Amit Chakma.

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opinion
Diane Smith-Gander & Amit ChakmaPremium
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WA university merger offers opportunity for greatness

The State Government’s decision to evaluate the business case for bringing three universities together deserves serious and constructive consideration.

Diane Smith-Gander & Amit Chakma

Vice Chancellor Andrew Deeks pictured at Murdoch University, Perth, on Tuesday speaking about WA’s proposed university merger.

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opinion
Andrew DeeksPremium
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MURDOCH VC: Don’t believe the university merger nonsense

All that a university merger will do for WA is cost a lot of time, money and energy, while reducing choices for students and alienating alumni.

Andrew Deeks

Anthony Albanese during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra.

opinion
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EditorialPremium
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Albo needs more than kicking with the wind

With opinion polls showing plunging Labor support, putting it in a dog fight with One Nation as his own popularity dives, the Prime Minister assured his colleagues that political momentum will swing their way.

The West Australian

Pete Hegseth said the execution ‌of ‌Nidal Hasan will take place at Fort Hood on December 3.

opinion
opinion
Ben O’SheaPremium
opinion
President sure to trump Pete’s cynical MAGAmaxxing move

You’ve probably heard of looksmaxxing. You may have even heard of proteinmaxxing. Well, the decision to livestream a public execution in the US was never about serving justice and all about MAGAmaxxing. 

Ben O'Shea

Ben O'Shea

The burnt former home of Margaret Hawke and her three children is fenced off back in December 2022.

opinion
opinion
EditorialVideoPremium
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Three kids were murdered. How did this happen?

The State Government owes it to the memory of the three murdered Hawke children and to their grieving grandmother to stop dancing around legal arguments and technicalities.

For generations, we thought of sick leave in a fairly straightforward way – though that view is starting to look a little unwell. 

GARY MARTINPremiumOur sick leave system might be in need of urgent treatment

For generations, we thought of sick leave in a fairly straightforward way – though that view is starting to look a little unwell. 

GARY MARTIN

I was channelling fish out of water vibes as I reluctantly arrived at a networking event last week.

ANDREW MILLERPremiumUnfinished business when it comes to leadership

I was channelling fish out of water vibes as I reluctantly arrived at a networking event last week.

Andrew Miller

Every day missed of school is another day of learning a child may never get back.

EDITORIALPremiumYou’ve got to be in it to win it: A truism of truancy

Every day missed of school is another day of learning a child may never get back.

are child protection workers disproportionately reluctant to remove Aboriginal children from their parents?

opinion
opinion
BEN HARVEYPremium
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White bias shame: We must do better

There’s an old saying in politics that if you can survive a political scandal for 11 days then you’re safe. 

BEN HARVEY