The West Australian is a long-established daily newspaper published in Perth. It serves readers across the state of Western Australia and issues both printed and digital editions. The title has its origins in the early colonial press and is frequently cited as one of the oldest continuously produced newspapers in Australia. For current publishing information and subscriptions see The West Australian.
Overview and format
The paper provides a broad mix of reporting: metropolitan and regional news, state politics, business coverage, sports, arts and lifestyle journalism, plus opinion and editorial pages. Its editions are aimed at a general audience and are distributed to metropolitan Perth as well as regional centres across the state. Online platforms complement the printed product with multimedia and frequently updated headlines.
History and development
First appearing in 1833, the publication developed alongside the colony of Western Australia and evolved through changing titles and ownership structures. Over time it moved from hand-set type and single-sheet issues to modern printing and digital production. The newspaper’s archives are a significant resource for historians and genealogists researching the social and political development of the region.
Content and organisation
- News: politics, community and regional reporting
- Business: markets, industry and economy
- Sport: local, national and international sporting coverage
- Features: arts, culture, lifestyle and opinion
- Classifieds and commercial notices
Editorially the paper combines staff reporting with opinion columns and letters to the editor. Its newsroom produces material for both the print edition and a continuously updated website and apps.
Ownership, role and significance
The title is produced by a company known as West Australian Newspapers Holdings; corporate details and related media interests can be found via the publisher’s pages here. As a principal statewide daily, the paper plays a prominent role in public debate within Perth and the wider state, informing readers, shaping local discourse and documenting major events. For regional context about its city of publication see Perth and the state at large at Western Australia.
Researchers and readers value back issues for historical research; many libraries and archives hold runs of the newspaper, and digital archives make older material more accessible to the public.