Search
thewest.com.au
CountrymanChevron Right Icon

Countryman Politics

DiplomacyG20 foreign ministers meet in Bali

The war in Ukraine looks set to overshadow a meeting of G20 foreign ministers in Bali this week.

Kate Lamb and David Brunnstrom

Final farewellPremiumCatania thanks voters for the ‘honour’ of being an MP

After more than 14 years on the road, in the bush and everywhere in between, outgoing Member for North West Central Vince Catania paid a final tribute to regional WA in Parliament last week. 

Phoebe Pin

MINISTERIAL VISITPremiumWatt in town to feel the mood of farmers

Meeting with live sheep export stakeholders — from farmers to peak industry bodies — was the top priority for Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt during his first ministerial visit to WA last week.

Adam Poulsen

Cheers CommentsPremiumPub owner frontrunner for Nationals win in North West

A former international rower turned Carnarvon publican has nominated to be the Nationals WA candidate in the North West Central by-election sparked by the surprise retirement of Vince Catania.

Peter Law and Josh Zimmerman

LIVE EXPORT PremiumLove takes aim at live export relocation probe

Shane Love has slammed the State Government’s $2 million probe into the possible relocation of Fremantle Port’s live export berth, saying the move won’t happen while the ALP remains divided.

Adam Poulsen

BURP TAXPremiumNew Zealand Government set to tax belching cattle and sheep

New Zealand is on track to become the first country in the world to tax farmers for emissions caused by belching cattle and sheep.

Adam Poulsen

Catania quitsLabor not sure if it will contest by-election

WA Labor may not contest the North West Central by-election created by the shock retirement of Nationals MP Vince Catania, who said he had “no more fuel left in the tank” after 17 years in State Parliament.

Peter Law and Caitlyn Rintoul

The West Australian exclusive
The West Australian exclusive
By-election bombshell CommentsPremium
The West Australian exclusive
Popular Nationals MP announces shock resignation

Vince Catania has dropped a bombshell on the WA National Party by announcing his resignation from state politics, plunging the depleted Alliance further into disarray.

Joe Spagnolo

AG MINISTER PremiumNew Ag Minister Murray Watt outlines plans for $81b sector

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt has shut down hopes Labor might change its mind on banning live sheep exports but has promised to work with industry to transition “in an orderly fashion”.

Cally Dupe

PoliticsAlbanese to strengthen Indonesian ties

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Jakarta for key talks with Indonesia's president in his second overseas visit.

Andrew Brown

World Politics'Concrete actions' to reset China-Aust tie

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says resetting China-Australia relations won't be done on auto-pilot mode and will require concrete actions.

Staff Writers

Work with usMeat us in the middle

The Australian Meat Industry Council is calling on newly-minted Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt to work with the sector to tackle issues including labour shortages, biosecurity and trade barriers.

Adam Poulsen

Discontinued PremiumProsecutors drop child sex charge against ex-Nationals MP

James Hayward has had a charge of persistent sexual conduct against a child dropped, with prosecutors saying it was in the public interest.

Emily Moulton

Sick leaderVideoPremiumMia Davies struck down by COVID: ‘I will isolate’

State Opposition Leader Mia Davies has tested positive for COVID after feeling unwell and is urging anyone she came in contact with over the past two days to get checked.

Rebecca Le May

PoliticsAction but not laws on climate: Coalition

Senior Liberals and Nationals say laws are not needed to enshrine net-zero emissions by 2050, despite voters making climate a key issue at the polls.

Maeve Bannister and Dominic Giannini

PoliticsPremiumJoyce planned 'transition' from leadership

New Nationals leader David Littleproud says taking the party's top job was no reflection on his predecessor as he begins cabinet negotiations with the Liberals.

Dominic Giannini

PoliticsPremiumJoyce planned 'transition' from leadership

David Littleproud says taking the Nationals' top job was no reflection on his predecessor, as Barnaby Joyce revealed he had a leadership 'transition' plan.

Dominic Giannini

Pride and joyCommentsPremiumLittleproud boots Barnaby Joyce from Nationals top job

David Littleproud is the new Nationals leader after defeating Barnaby Joyce and Darren Chester in a leadership ballot in Canberra on Monday.

Kimberley Caines and Peter Law

Pride and Joy PremiumLittleproud to challenge Barnaby Joyce for Nationals top job

The Nationals' high-profile deputy leader David Littleproud will nominate for the leadership position of his boss, Barnaby Joyce.

Finbar O'Mallon

The West Australian exclusive
The West Australian exclusive
‘Front of mind’CommentsPremium
The West Australian exclusive
Nationals still pushing net zero target: Mia Davies

WA Nationals leader Mia Davies has reaffirmed her party’s commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 while urging her Federal colleagues ‘take stock’ in the wake of Saturday’s election result.

Josh Zimmerman

STATE BUDGETPremiumOpposition blasts State Govt’s biosecurity ‘spending cut’

WA’s shadow treasurer has blasted the McGowan Government for slashing biosecurity spending by $3.6 million in the State Budget, with declared pest control activities set to cop the full force of the cut.

Adam Poulsen

FEDERAL ELECTIONPremiumRumours swirl over appointment of new agriculture minister

Farmers will have to wait another week to find out who the new Federal agriculture minister will be, as speculation mounts over who will claim the portfolio vacated by David Littleproud.

Adam Poulsen

FEDERAL ELECTIONPremiumO’Connor MP touts ‘bolder agenda’ for agriculture

Rick Wilson says the Coalition’s Federal election drubbing has given the Liberals the chance to hit the reset button and develop a ‘much bolder policy agenda’ for agriculture.

Adam Poulsen

updatedPremium’Ruining the world’: Wild claim on future

Inner-city Liberal voters punished the Coalition for not being ambitious enough with climate change, but one Nationals senator has made a sensational claim about climate change.

Ellen Ransley