Latest news with #WesternAustralian
West Australian
5 hours ago
- Politics
- West Australian
Steve Martin: Government's response to concerns about trains shows Labor's arrogance
Over 300 WA train drivers blew the whistle on the Government with major concerns about the safety and operability of WA Labor's Metronet C-series trains. The arrogant and dismissive response from Transport Minister Rita Saffioti should horrify every Western Australian. A six-railcar C-series train has 400 seats and can carry more than 1000 passengers. So, when the union that represents the people driving those trains releases a survey stating that the majority of drivers support withdrawing the trains until the issues can be resolved, you would expect the State Government to pay attention. The survey is genuinely shocking: 94 per cent of train drivers believe the trains weren't ready for service when they launched; 91 per cent believe the training they received was inadequate; 83 per cent report serious safety issues such as braking, speed and communication issues; 73.8 per cent of drivers said they themselves have felt unsafe while operating a C-series railcar. The 59-page report from the Rail Tram and Bus Union raised a plethora of specific issues. Doors opening or closing when they shouldn't, braking inconsistencies, difficulty communicating using the passenger emergency intercom, auto speed issues causing surging and/or over-speeding. There were also pages of testimony from drivers not holding back with their criticisms. The report also states that drivers felt the introduction of the C-series was 'politically motivated and rushed.' When 75 per cent of train drivers tell you they feel unsafe operating these massive machines, you sit up and pay attention. So, it has been surprising to see the level of willingness of the Cook Labor Government to completely deny and dismiss genuine concerns raised by professional train drivers. Premier Roger Cook, after spending quite a bit of time during the last election campaign riding around on the trains, had this to say: 'We understand that, you know, changing the model of trains always challenges the work force.' Ms Saffioti was even more blunt, responding to questions in Parliament from Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas by saying: '… drivers need to get used to the new trains.' It is difficult to think of a more disdainful response from the State Government to train drivers than to tell them that they, not the machinery they are paid to professionally operate, are the problem. It is the sort of arrogance that is becoming a constant theme from WA Labor in their third term. The drivers have good reason to be cynical of the Minister's priorities. The Bussell Highway duplication was 'opened' in time for Easter this year after years of delay — but the red warning cones, lane closures and speed reductions were swiftly back in place afterwards and roadworks continue to this day. The ultimate disdain of the Minister, who is also the Treasurer, is for WA taxpayers. Metronet has now blown out by over $12.5 billion. That's not her money, that is yours. Western Australians deserve better than a Transport Minister and Treasurer who is it in for herself and not for you. Steve Martin is Shadow Transport Minister
West Australian
15 hours ago
- Business
- West Australian
Apple Perth City Store: New outlet to open June 27 as inaugural Murray Street location shuts up shop
Tech juggernaut Apple will officially be closing its Hay Street store in Perth City on June 25, unveiling a shiny new replacement store in the heart of the CBD just two days later. The brand's flagship WA outlet will be resurfacing down the road at the old Commonwealth Bank Building, taking up residence at 1 Forrest Place. The store's official opening is set for Friday, June 27 at 9am. It will intersect the Murray Street Mall shopping strip and Forrest Chase open area. Commuters might have noticed recent updates to the heritage building's facade, with the store's exterior displaying dark green wallpaper to compliment an Apple-shaped light fixture hanging from a central arch. Days out from the launch, the brand's website promises an extension of the previous outlet's interactivity. 'Prepare to discover a flourishing hub of creativity, as we open the door to a new era of growth for Perth and for you,' it reads. The move comes almost exactly 15 years after Apple's first bricks and mortar entry into Perth which launched on June 26, 2010. The West reported in 2024 that the new store would take up two shops at the building, including the one currently leased by Pandora jewellery store and one previously leased by City Beach clothing. Apple operates its second Perth store at Westfield Booragoon, which opened to the public in September 2012. To get local fans hyped about the change, specially curated collections of entertainment have been recommended, which feature Western Australian musical artists, films, TV shows, and books accessible across Apple's suite of media platforms.
Perth Now
16 hours ago
- Business
- Perth Now
New Apple store opening in Perth next week
Tech juggernaut Apple will officially be closing its Hay Street store in Perth City on June 25, unveiling a shiny new replacement store in the heart of the CBD just two days later. The brand's flagship WA outlet will be resurfacing down the road at the old Commonwealth Bank Building, taking up residence at 1 Forrest Place. The store's official opening is set for Friday, June 27 at 9am. It will intersect the Murray Street Mall shopping strip and Forrest Chase open area. Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple Inc. Credit: David Paul Morris / Bloomberg Commuters might have noticed recent updates to the heritage building's facade, with the store's exterior displaying dark green wallpaper to compliment an Apple-shaped light fixture hanging from a central arch. Days out from the launch, the brand's website promises an extension of the previous outlet's interactivity. 'Prepare to discover a flourishing hub of creativity, as we open the door to a new era of growth for Perth and for you,' it reads. The move comes almost exactly 15 years after Apple's first bricks and mortar entry into Perth which launched on June 26, 2010. The Apple store in Perth's CBD is moving into the city's main mall. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper / The West Australian The West reported in 2024 that the new store would take up two shops at the building, including the one currently leased by Pandora jewellery store and one previously leased by City Beach clothing. Apple operates its second Perth store at Westfield Booragoon, which opened to the public in September 2012. To get local fans hyped about the change, specially curated collections of entertainment have been recommended, which feature Western Australian musical artists, films, TV shows, and books accessible across Apple's suite of media platforms.
The Advertiser
16 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Anniversary of agony: families never give up the search for missing Australians
People go missing in Australia every day, and while many return home, some families continue to wait for their lost loved one. As each year passes, anniversaries act as agonising reminders of missing friends or family members. The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre said "the anniversary of the date someone went missing is an opportunity to remember them and raise awareness of their case". Around 50,000 people are reported missing in Australia every year, the centre said. That equates to more than 130 people being reported missing each day. The coordination centre, operated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said that 99 per cent of people reported missing are found. But some never return home. Police urge anyone who may have information about a missing person to contact investigators. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this article may contain images of deceased persons. The search for NSW missing man Andrew Olphert, 41, has entered its sixth year, in June 2025 The stay-at-home dad left his Little Bay home in Sydney on June 17, 2019, without his wallet or any other personal items. He has not accessed his bank accounts or mobile phone. The New Zealand-born man has not seen or contacted family or friends since that day and police hold concerns for his welfare. Friends and family saw Tasmanian woman Angela Jeffrey for the last time on June 1, 2016, before she disappeared. Two days later, on June 3, investigators found her car in remote bush in the Bakers Beach area of Tasmania's north. Ms Jeffrey's disappearance was reported to the Coroner, who in 2019, found that the 62-year-old was dead. For many years, she had received extensive support from psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and her loving family, the Coroner said. Despite intensive searching and ongoing investigations, Ms Jeffrey has not been found. Family and friends of Western Australian man Tremaine Reid have been searching for the 39-year-old for two years as of June 2025. Mr Reid was reported missing on June 24, 2023, after he was last seen a week and a half earlier, on June 12 in Lockyer, WA. Despite extensive searches, Mr Reid has never been located, police said. He is known to frequent the Perth metropolitan area, as well as regional locations of Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany His family said the disappearance was "out of character". Russell Wright was reported missing on June 26, 2024 after family members and friends hadn't seen the 56-year-old in 18 months. Mr Wright had no fixed address at the time of his disappearance but was known to frequent Penrith, Lithgow, Katoomba, the Illawarra and south coast areas. He was last seen on CCTV at Mount Druitt railway station on January 20, 2023. He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 centimetres tall, of medium build, with white hair and brown eyes. Do you know the whereabouts of these people? Reach out to investigators through Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000. People go missing in Australia every day, and while many return home, some families continue to wait for their lost loved one. As each year passes, anniversaries act as agonising reminders of missing friends or family members. The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre said "the anniversary of the date someone went missing is an opportunity to remember them and raise awareness of their case". Around 50,000 people are reported missing in Australia every year, the centre said. That equates to more than 130 people being reported missing each day. The coordination centre, operated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said that 99 per cent of people reported missing are found. But some never return home. Police urge anyone who may have information about a missing person to contact investigators. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this article may contain images of deceased persons. The search for NSW missing man Andrew Olphert, 41, has entered its sixth year, in June 2025 The stay-at-home dad left his Little Bay home in Sydney on June 17, 2019, without his wallet or any other personal items. He has not accessed his bank accounts or mobile phone. The New Zealand-born man has not seen or contacted family or friends since that day and police hold concerns for his welfare. Friends and family saw Tasmanian woman Angela Jeffrey for the last time on June 1, 2016, before she disappeared. Two days later, on June 3, investigators found her car in remote bush in the Bakers Beach area of Tasmania's north. Ms Jeffrey's disappearance was reported to the Coroner, who in 2019, found that the 62-year-old was dead. For many years, she had received extensive support from psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and her loving family, the Coroner said. Despite intensive searching and ongoing investigations, Ms Jeffrey has not been found. Family and friends of Western Australian man Tremaine Reid have been searching for the 39-year-old for two years as of June 2025. Mr Reid was reported missing on June 24, 2023, after he was last seen a week and a half earlier, on June 12 in Lockyer, WA. Despite extensive searches, Mr Reid has never been located, police said. He is known to frequent the Perth metropolitan area, as well as regional locations of Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany His family said the disappearance was "out of character". Russell Wright was reported missing on June 26, 2024 after family members and friends hadn't seen the 56-year-old in 18 months. Mr Wright had no fixed address at the time of his disappearance but was known to frequent Penrith, Lithgow, Katoomba, the Illawarra and south coast areas. He was last seen on CCTV at Mount Druitt railway station on January 20, 2023. He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 centimetres tall, of medium build, with white hair and brown eyes. Do you know the whereabouts of these people? Reach out to investigators through Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000. People go missing in Australia every day, and while many return home, some families continue to wait for their lost loved one. As each year passes, anniversaries act as agonising reminders of missing friends or family members. The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre said "the anniversary of the date someone went missing is an opportunity to remember them and raise awareness of their case". Around 50,000 people are reported missing in Australia every year, the centre said. That equates to more than 130 people being reported missing each day. The coordination centre, operated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said that 99 per cent of people reported missing are found. But some never return home. Police urge anyone who may have information about a missing person to contact investigators. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this article may contain images of deceased persons. The search for NSW missing man Andrew Olphert, 41, has entered its sixth year, in June 2025 The stay-at-home dad left his Little Bay home in Sydney on June 17, 2019, without his wallet or any other personal items. He has not accessed his bank accounts or mobile phone. The New Zealand-born man has not seen or contacted family or friends since that day and police hold concerns for his welfare. Friends and family saw Tasmanian woman Angela Jeffrey for the last time on June 1, 2016, before she disappeared. Two days later, on June 3, investigators found her car in remote bush in the Bakers Beach area of Tasmania's north. Ms Jeffrey's disappearance was reported to the Coroner, who in 2019, found that the 62-year-old was dead. For many years, she had received extensive support from psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and her loving family, the Coroner said. Despite intensive searching and ongoing investigations, Ms Jeffrey has not been found. Family and friends of Western Australian man Tremaine Reid have been searching for the 39-year-old for two years as of June 2025. Mr Reid was reported missing on June 24, 2023, after he was last seen a week and a half earlier, on June 12 in Lockyer, WA. Despite extensive searches, Mr Reid has never been located, police said. He is known to frequent the Perth metropolitan area, as well as regional locations of Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany His family said the disappearance was "out of character". Russell Wright was reported missing on June 26, 2024 after family members and friends hadn't seen the 56-year-old in 18 months. Mr Wright had no fixed address at the time of his disappearance but was known to frequent Penrith, Lithgow, Katoomba, the Illawarra and south coast areas. He was last seen on CCTV at Mount Druitt railway station on January 20, 2023. He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 centimetres tall, of medium build, with white hair and brown eyes. Do you know the whereabouts of these people? Reach out to investigators through Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000. People go missing in Australia every day, and while many return home, some families continue to wait for their lost loved one. As each year passes, anniversaries act as agonising reminders of missing friends or family members. The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre said "the anniversary of the date someone went missing is an opportunity to remember them and raise awareness of their case". Around 50,000 people are reported missing in Australia every year, the centre said. That equates to more than 130 people being reported missing each day. The coordination centre, operated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said that 99 per cent of people reported missing are found. But some never return home. Police urge anyone who may have information about a missing person to contact investigators. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this article may contain images of deceased persons. The search for NSW missing man Andrew Olphert, 41, has entered its sixth year, in June 2025 The stay-at-home dad left his Little Bay home in Sydney on June 17, 2019, without his wallet or any other personal items. He has not accessed his bank accounts or mobile phone. The New Zealand-born man has not seen or contacted family or friends since that day and police hold concerns for his welfare. Friends and family saw Tasmanian woman Angela Jeffrey for the last time on June 1, 2016, before she disappeared. Two days later, on June 3, investigators found her car in remote bush in the Bakers Beach area of Tasmania's north. Ms Jeffrey's disappearance was reported to the Coroner, who in 2019, found that the 62-year-old was dead. For many years, she had received extensive support from psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and her loving family, the Coroner said. Despite intensive searching and ongoing investigations, Ms Jeffrey has not been found. Family and friends of Western Australian man Tremaine Reid have been searching for the 39-year-old for two years as of June 2025. Mr Reid was reported missing on June 24, 2023, after he was last seen a week and a half earlier, on June 12 in Lockyer, WA. Despite extensive searches, Mr Reid has never been located, police said. He is known to frequent the Perth metropolitan area, as well as regional locations of Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany His family said the disappearance was "out of character". Russell Wright was reported missing on June 26, 2024 after family members and friends hadn't seen the 56-year-old in 18 months. Mr Wright had no fixed address at the time of his disappearance but was known to frequent Penrith, Lithgow, Katoomba, the Illawarra and south coast areas. He was last seen on CCTV at Mount Druitt railway station on January 20, 2023. He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 centimetres tall, of medium build, with white hair and brown eyes. Do you know the whereabouts of these people? Reach out to investigators through Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000.
Sydney Morning Herald
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
WA treasurer, AFL boss hold quiet talks for February State of Origin
Western Australian Treasurer Rita Saffioti met with AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon on Saturday to discuss the prospect of a pre-season State of Origin-style match between Western Australia and Victoria next February. WAtoday and Nine News Perth can reveal Saffioti met with Dillon while he was in Perth for the Dockers' North Melbourne match, with the State of Origin game top of the agenda. Fresh after delivering the state budget on Thursday Saffioti on Friday morning confirmed that while the game was 'not a done deal', both parties were very keen. 'We're working on a proposal,' she said. 'I think everyone's very excited … about having a WA State of Origin game in AFL. 'There are some good discussions happening. 'This would be an incredible drawcard for the state. I think thousands would come, and I know many of the players are actually excited; in particular, those based over east are very keen to play for their state.' Saffioti said pre-season was the time to host such a match as in-season was less likely to work out. Injuries and fatigue would be less of an issue for clubs as they would already playing pre-season matches. Optus Stadium in Perth hosted a near-capacity game two of the NRL's State of Origin on Wednesday, which Saffioti said was a huge tourism drawcard, as would be an AFL State of Origin.
