East Plus West

In this week’s exclusive subscribers’ podcast, Ivan and Leo break down the first week of Australia’s under-16 social media ban, as young users already find ways around it. The WA Government outlines its top four priorities for 2026, with Police Minister Reece Whitby vowing to cut the road toll. WA Nationals Leader Shane Love responds, sharpening his focus on regional crime and road safety. Plus, new WAMN News polling shows more than 60 per cent of West Australians say they’re struggling this year.NOTE: this is the last show for 2025, the East Plus West Podcast will return on the 23rd, January, 2026. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. Subscribe to "WAMN Xtra News Club" for additional premium weekly content!Support independent journalism!LINK: https://wamnnews.com.au/news/xtra Subscribe to 6 News Patreon:LINK: https://www.patreon.com/6newsau

In this week’s exclusive subscribers’ podcast, Ivan and Leo discuss the final week of Federal and State Parliaments, marking an incredibly busy, action-packed day full of press conferences, inquiry reports and protests. Meanwhile, they further report on the “black washing” allegations, with community leaders calling for changes to First Nations company ownership structures to reduce potential rorting in government procurement contracts. And the Burswood Perth Park racetrack protest turns into a fizzer, with low attendance from residents and the opposition being mocked by the Deputy Premier. Subscribe to "WAMN Xtra News Club" for additional premium weekly content!Support independent journalism!LINK: https://wamnnews.com.au/news/xtra Subscribe to 6 News Patreon:LINK: https://www.patreon.com/6newsau

In this week’s exclusive subscribers’ podcast, Ivan and Leo discuss the final results of the WAMN News Opinion Poll on the future of WA Labor Party leadership, with Hannah Beazley emerging as the preferred leader. The Cook Government provides an update on the new youth prison at Banksia Hill, which is expected to be completed within three years. The Albanese Government's social media ban faces a High Court challenge from youths and advocacy groups, and the team takes a deep dive into the Hong Kong housing inferno crisis, which claimed hundreds of lives. Subscribe to "WAMN Xtra News Club" for additional premium weekly content!Support independent journalism!LINK: https://wamnnews.com.au/news/xtra Subscribe to 6 News Patreon:LINK: https://www.patreon.com/6newsau

In this week’s exclusive subscribers’ podcast, Ivan and Leo discuss new leadership changes in the New South Wales and Victorian Liberal parties, as Federal Leader Sussan Ley’s position comes under pressure following the net-zero debate. Meanwhile, WAMN News viewers are having their say on who they prefer as Premier and Labor Leader after 2029, with four politicians to choose from — and we have the latest numbers. Perth’s largest multicultural community organisation, MSC WA, is also celebrating its 45th birthday with its annual Christmas gala event. We speak with CEO Ramdas Sankaran about the centre’s contributions to the state. Subscribe to "WAMN Xtra News Club" for additional premium weekly content!Support independent journalism!LINK: https://wamnnews.com.au/news/xtra Subscribe to 6 News Patreon:LINK: https://www.patreon.com/6newsau

In this week’s exclusive subscribers’ podcast, Ivan wraps up another week of news as Leo heads off to sit his exam; he will be back next week. A local First Nations leader and Indigenous activist is calling for a watchdog to oversee Aboriginal business procurement contracts following accusations of “black washing”. The newly elected president of the Chung Wah Association WA, Andy Yuan, discusses new building plans, new leadership, and differing opinions within the organisation. And the Federal Coalition has formally rejected net zero, with the party aiming to unite after a marathon meeting to curb internal infighting. Subscribe to "WAMN Xtra News Club" for additional premium weekly content!Support independent journalism!LINK: https://wamnnews.com.au/news/xtra Subscribe to 6 News Patreon:LINK: https://www.patreon.com/6newsau

In this week’s exclusive subscribers’ podcast, Ivan and Leo have a concise discussion as breaking news on public health dominates media attention. The WA Government has redirected $1.6 billion in major project funding into health, including the purchase of St John of God Mount Lawley Hospital and upgrades to Royal Perth Hospital and the Peel Health Campus. In other stories, China’s Consul General in WA gave her first interview to WAMN News, discussing her appointment, Australia–China relations, and AUKUS. Lastly, there’s an update on Australia’s proposed increase to the social media age limit. Subscribe to "WAMN Xtra News Club" for additional premium weekly content!Support independent journalism!LINK: https://wamnnews.com.au/news/xtra Subscribe to 6 News Patreon:LINK: https://www.patreon.com/6newsau

In this week’s exclusive subscribers’ podcast, Ivan and Leo discuss the latest on King Charles’ historic move to remove Prince Andrew’s titles. Meanwhile, former Liberal MPs and conservative commentators are pushing back against calls for a Voice to Parliament in Western Australia, as Victoria locks in its own version. Ivan also gives a sneak peek into this week’s newscast. Subscribe to "WAMN Xtra News Club" for additional premium weekly content!Support independent journalism!LINK: https://wamnnews.com.au/news/xtra Subscribe to 6 News Patreon:LINK: https://www.patreon.com/6newsau

In this week’s exclusive subscribers’ podcast, Ivan and Leo discuss new polling data from 6 News Australia, which details results for every electoral seat nationwide by combining figures from several major polling companies. The debate on the WA Voice to Parliament 2.0 continues, with renowned multicultural advocate Suresh Rajan backing the proposal but conceding it would be “political suicide.” WA stakeholders also share their views on the latest gun law reforms following the Floreat shootings. Subscribe to "WAMN Xtra News Club" for additional premium weekly content!Support independent journalism!LINK: https://wamnnews.com.au/news/xtra Subscribe to 6 News Patreon:LINK: https://www.patreon.com/6newsau

In this week’s exclusive subscribers’ podcast, Ivan hosts solo as Leo takes the week off for his graduation. We’ll discuss the push for a State Voice to Parliament 2.0, with the latest WAMN News Opinion Poll showing strong public rejection of a treaty and third chamber with veto powers. Despite this, the WA Greens told WAMN News they’re preparing a petition to Parliament once First Nations leaders are ready.Meanwhile, Perth’s public transport has taken a major step forward with the METRONET Byford extension opening and electric metro trains returning after Armadale Line upgrades. Reporter Steve Anderson joined the first VIP train over the weekend! Subscribe to "WAMN Xtra News Club" for additional premium weekly content!Support independent journalism!LINK: https://wamnnews.com.au/news/xtra Subscribe to 6 News Patreon:LINK: https://www.patreon.com/6newsau