Allegations of misconduct. Raids on the homes of former MPs. Two of the state's top public servants hauled before one of WA's most powerful committees, with the corruption chief following on the same day. And a brawl that has divided Labor.

It has been an extraordinary week in WA politics, after an explosive report by the Procedure and Privileges Committee revealed an investigation into ex-MPs and hurled ferocious criticism at two of Mark McGowan's top advisors.

But how did we get here and what happens now?

How did all this start?

On Wednesday, the Procedure and Privileges Committee (PPC) — State Parliament's top oversight body — lifted the lid on a Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) probe into alleged misuse of entitlements provided to MPs.

That came out as part of a report that laid into the two top figures in the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) — Darren Foster and Emily Roper — over their handling of emails the CCC wanted as part of that investigation.

Head of the WA Department of Premier and Cabinet Darren Foster says he was following the law. ( ABC News: Hugh Sando )

All emails to and from MPs are held by the DPC and Mr Foster authorised State Solicitor's Office staff to trawl through the documents, to identify ones that should be handed over.

The committee had wanted to go through the emails itself, to determine what was legally protected and what was allowed to be handed over.

Why does that matter?

According to the committee, Mr Foster and Ms Roper's actions were serious errors as they jeopardised the confidentiality of MPs' work and risked breaching parliamentary privilege.

That led to widespread complaints from MPs, nervous that, for example, the identity of anonymous whistle blowers who contacted them may no longer be safe.

The report said the DPC's acting director general, Emily Roper, refused to hand over thousands of emails and documents. ( ABC News: Hugh Sando )

Ms Roper also refused a request to present before the committee, infuriating its members and leading to a spray from Labor MP Kate Doust, the President of the Upper House.

Then what happened?

Rather than accept the criticism from the committee, the McGowan Government hit back, saying it was just doing what had to be done to stamp out corruption.

CCC Commissioner John McKechnie was also deeply unimpressed with the report, staunchly defending Mr Foster and threatening to quit if the committee brought contempt of Parliament proceedings against him.

Meanwhile, it emerged that the CCC had raided multiple properties — seizing items from the homes and businesses of former MPs — as part of its probe.

What about the hearings?

The CCC holds few public hearings but lifted the curtain to reveal details of the probe into MPs' expenses on Friday.

The "advanced" investigation is examining whether the current expense allowances have "allowed corruption to flourish", with the hearing being told that the process "appears to lack a process of transparent accountability".

WA Corruption and Crime Commissioner John McKechnie threatened to quit over the committee's investigation. ( ABC News: James Carmody )

That public hearing was rare enough, but across town at the same time, the PPC was conducting its own examination.

First, Mr Foster and Ms Roper were hauled before the committee to explain their own actions.

Then, later in the day, Commissioner McKechnie fronted the PPC — but exactly what happened is something of a mystery because the committee's hearings were held behind closed doors.

What about the political implications?

"Shocking". "Appalling". "Striking at the heart of democracy".

You might expect to hear those words hurled at you from your political opponents, but not someone supposed to be on the same side.

Labor MP Kate Doust has been highly critical of her leader's department. ( ABC News: Hugh Sando )

But Ms Doust's commentary, backed by fellow Labor MP and committee member Adele Farina, was fired straight at the man the Premier hand-picked to lead his department.

Relations between Mr McGowan and both Ms Doust and Ms Farina have been strained to non-existent for some time and the Premier's office has sought to portray the committee's findings as those of a rogue body of political enemies.

It has left little doubt about the level of tension within Labor ranks.

Where does all this leave us?



The CCC investigation is ongoing and more public hearings have been promised.

A separate investigation will also be held into the actions of Mr Foster and Ms Roper after every party other than Labor requested the PPC to examine whether they had committed a contempt of Parliament.

If they are found in contempt, they face a range of potential penalties — with jail permissible for the most extreme of cases.

Relations between Premier Mark McGowan and two of his MPs are said to have been strained for some time. ( ABC News: Gian De Poloni )

But beyond that, it leaves some of the state's most powerful people and bodies at loggerheads. The Premier against two of his own Labor MPs sitting on the PPC. The CCC against the PPC.

It could be quite some time until it is all resolved.

On top of that, it leaves a long list of current and former MPs looking over their backs wondering if the CCC is about to knock on their door to ask some questions.