WA news LIVE: Land Forces expo security bill passes WA parliament after marathon debate

Updated September 11, 2026 — 10:33am,first published September 11, 2026 — 9:57am10.33amSo there’s a big game on tonight...By WA Premier Roger Cook has taken to social media for an “important update” on the state’s feral cat laws......but, going by the Dockers scarf draped over his shoulders, we instantly know that’s not what this is about.Yes, our beloved Fremantle Dockers are taking on the Geelong Cats tonight for a do-or-die finals clash at Optus Stadium.And Cook took pride in declaring that “any Cat found this Friday between 6pm and 9pm at Optus Stadium will need to be humbled, contained, and sent back to Victoria”.Patrick Voss, Jye Amiss and Josh Treacy were also name-checked as Freo’s chief “cat wranglers”, before the premier signed off with the rallying cry of the Dockers faithful: “It’s Wharfie Time.”We’ll bring you all the latest developments ahead of the game tonight, and be sure to check the WAtoday homepage for our live coverage of what is shaping to be one of the biggest clashes of the year in the west.9.58amWA defence event security bill passes parliament after marathon debateBy A bill granting police special powers to beef up security for a major international defence expo in Perth passed parliament last night after marathon debate.WA Labor’s Land Forces Event (Special Power) Bill 2026 had support from the Liberals and One Nation, but questions from Greens MLC Sophie McNeill pushed proceedings late into the evening.Protesters under fire from rubber bullets after violence erupted outside the last Land Forces International Defence Expo in Melbourne in 2024.Justin McManusThe last Land Forces International Defence Exposition in 2024 brought Melbourne’s CBD to a standstill as different activist groups banded together to protest the major arms show.WA has already budgeted $11.5 million for security for this year’s event, set to be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre in October.9.57amAcross Australia and around the worldBy Here’s what’s making headlines elsewhere today:John Howard served as Australia’s prime minister for 4284 days. None were more consequential than September 11, 2001.As the nation’s second-longest serving prime minister describes it: “Psychologically, the world has never been the same.”Migrants would have to apply for asylum within the first few months of arriving in Australia under a Labor plan to stop a flood of bogus claims, while students’ right of appeal to extend their stay will be curtailed as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese scrambles to win Opposition Leader Angus Taylor’s support for his immigration reforms.The federal Treasury is war-gaming the financial fallout from a surge in global interest rates on government debt, oil prices and inflation amid fears it could drive the Australian and global economies into a recession and force some countries into austerity.The head of a Brisbane church that was featured in a reality show about sex workers has announced he will resign.Anthropic said it had disrupted several potential plots this year by scientists who used its leading artificial intelligence models to conduct research that could have helped develop biological weapons.9.57amWelcome to our live news blogBy Good morning readers, and welcome to our live news blog for Friday, September 11.Making headlines today is news from our planning scene, where a $2.5 million revamp of the heritage-listed Guildford Post Office has been given the green light. An artist impression of what the new café and restaurant will look like at the former Guildford Post Office building.Griffiths ArchitectsBilgoman Property will refurbish the historic building with plans to serve food and drinks by this time next year.The group is co-owned by Christopher McLoughlin, Elliott Chipper and Leigh Doherty who each have a connection to the Guildford area.1 of 1