Sean Cowan

The Cook Government has known for more than a year this moment might arrive. When former AFL star Nicky Winmar was charged over an alleged assault last May, a political risk emerged alongside the criminal proceedings. Winmar is not just another sporting great; He is the only individual honoured with a permanent statue at Optus Stadium, a monument supported by the State Government to commemorate his defining stand against racism in Australian football. It was unveiled by then-Premier Mark McGowan.

Hancock Prospecting has relaunched its proposal for a helipad on top of its West Perth headquarters, making just two substantive changes to the plan that was rejected by the City of Perth last year.