Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has declared victory after Labor secured a third consecutive term in government, following last weekend’s state election.

As of late Saturday night, Labor was on track to win 41 seats, with the Liberals securing five and the Nationals four.

Premier Cook, who replaced Mark McGowan in 2023, said the result reflected voter trust in Labor’s stable governance and commitment to job creation and infrastructure.

Liberal leader Libby Mettam acknowledged the party’s disappointing performance, but vowed to continue rebuilding the party.

The Liberal swing of about 11 per cent fell short of reclaiming key seats previously considered Liberal strongholds.

Meanwhile, former Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas edged closer to securing the seat of Churchlands, fuelling speculation about a potential change of Liberal leadership.

Cook said his team would return to work immediately to build on their achievements.

NSW Police have charged 14 people in connection with antisemitic incidents across Sydney, following investigations under Strike Force Pearl.

Authorities have now arrested a total of 29 individuals and laid 143 charges as part of the Strike Force investigation.

Among those charged is alleged former Nomad chief Sayed Mohammed Moosawi, accused of directing arson attacks on Bondi Beach businesses.

Others are facing charges related to graffiti, arson, and drug offences, with multiple court appearances scheduled in the coming weeks.

The arrests come as the AFP confirmed a caravan found in Dural in January, initially thought to be a terrorism threat, was a hoax linked to organised crime.

NSW Premier Chris Minns defended the government’s response, stating the threat had to be treated seriously.

Investigations under Strike Force Pearl are ongoing.

A new Human Rights Commission report found that Australians’ human rights were often overlooked in the government’s COVID-19 response, with domestic violence victims, renters, casual workers, and at-risk groups bearing the brunt.

Based on 5000 accounts, the report highlighted traumatic experiences, such as families unable to say goodbye to dying loved ones, women trapped with abusers, and public housing residents facing severe lockdowns.

Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay emphasised the need to balance health measures with individual freedoms, urging governments to adopt an Emergency Response Framework that prioritised compassion and inclusivity.

Infectious disease experts stated that Australia is “grossly unprepared” for future health crises, calling for a permanent, well-resourced Centre for Disease Control.

Monash University’s Professor Allen Cheng emphasised the urgency of acting immediately, as another health emergency is not a matter of if, but when.