WA news LIVE: Trio of Chinese warships now off Kalbarri; WA teen arrested over terror threat

Good morning readers, and welcome to our live news blog for Wednesday, March 5.

Well, we’re only days away from the state election and the tension is palpable. At least in the WAtoday newsroom.

But the average reader may still be unsure of what, exactly, has changed in WA since Labor took power in 2017.

And chief among the issues WA voters are interested in is the housing crisis looming over the state.

So, what do the numbers tells us about the state of the housing and rental market today compared to 2017?

Sarah Brookes has pulled together and pored over the data. You can read her report here.

And political reporter Hamish Hastie has this feature article on our premier, Roger Cook, with the two sitting down to enjoy a meal together in the lead up to Saturday’s election.

Meanwhile in culture news, are you keen for a bit of live theatre? If so, make your way to the State Theatre Centre post-haste for the Black Swan/Belvoir Street co-production of August: Osage County.

Mark Naglazas says the play is “the absolute highlight of this year’s Perth Festival”.

“Anyone who craves great theatre should not miss it.”

High praise indeed. You can read Mark’s full review of the Tracy Letts classic here.

Thank you for joining us today readers, stay tuned as we bring you more news you need to know.