Education

Deputy Premier Kim Hames will stand down from that role in February next year, but will remain as minister for health and tourism as he prepares for his retirement from politics at the 2017 state election.

The University of Western Australia is set to cut staff numbers by around 300 places next year in a bid to rein in costs and re-target resources to more competitive divisions.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is seeking to buy what will be the first flight simulator of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, as part of plans to develop a state-of-the-art training centre in Western Australia.

A Western Australian World War II veteran who passed away earlier this year at the age of 103 has donated $3 million to Murdoch University from his estate.

A Western Australian charity focused on improving the lives of Aboriginal children through exercise and nutrition programs has hired staff and increased the amount of work it's doing in several schools, following a major funding increase.

Sydney-based Pulse Health is set to enter the Western Australian market for the first time, with plans to buy the Waikiki Private Hospital and the Westminster day surgery.

Murdoch University has appointed Eeva Leinonen as its first female vice-chancellor, replacing Richard Higgott who resigned last year after being investigated by the Corruption and Crime Commission.

A former gold mining company led by Peter Gunzburg has announced plans for a reverse takeover and backdoor listing of a Swiss biotech firm.

A Perth-based company that hopes to join the growing medical marijuana market in the US plans to list on the ASX next year.

Former iiNet chief executive David Buckingham has joined the executive team of education provider Navitas as chief financial officer.

Western Australia's largest private health facility is preparing for major growth during the coming decade amid forecast cuts to public health.

Actress Claudia Karvan joined Fortescue Metals Group chief executive Nev Power to recognise White Ribbon Day and speak out against violence towards women.

Local builders Pindan and Pact Construction have won contracts with the state government, worth a combined $23.1 million.

A hotel and a laboratory in Perth have been recognised as two of the best places to work in Australia, while two Western Australian workers have also been honoured for excelling during their training.

Older Western Australians enjoy better health than their counterparts in the rest of the country and have some of the highest income and wealth in the nation, but the gap between rich and poor WA residents who are elderly is of considerable concern, according to a new report.

SPECIAL REPORT: The financial pressures facing many Western Australian businesses are being compounded by significant levels of worker stress, sick leave and absenteeism, a local consultancy has found.

SPECIAL REPORT: The state's construction sector has developed a unique initiative aimed at minimising the prevalence and effects of depression and substance abuse.

SPECIAL REPORT: WA businesses can point to a range of wellness initiatives, but tough economic times and an emphasis on safety over health has put some employers behind the eight ball.

Shares in recently listed companies Norwood Systems and ResApp Health have surged in recent weeks as investors warm to the wave of tech companies completing reverse takeovers.

Figures released today show Western Australia's share of national health and medical research grants has not grown, despite the hopes of leading researchers that an industry-led reform would put the state back on a path to funding in line with WA's share of the national population.

A program that links PhD students with industry is attracting support from companies as diverse as iron ore miner CITIC Pacific Mining, software developer Lateral, and aged care provider Southern Cross Care.

Health and community care organisation Silver Chain's 2014-15 surplus has slipped following increased investment in new client offerings and service delivery methods.

Alcoa of Australia, Bankwest, Curtin University and Shell Australia have been recognised as the best businesses in Western Australia for implementing gender equality measures.

Australians should receive tax breaks if they are made to set up savings accounts to help cover some healthcare bills, private health insurer nib says.

St John Ambulance has reported increased revenue and surplus for the 2014-15 financial year, growing its income from ambulance trips, health department contracts, and first aid training services.

Rob Bransby will resign as managing director of the state's largest health insurer next year to take up the top job at Perth Racing.

Researchers at Western Australian universities have secured 8 per cent of grants in the latest round of national research funding, which has allocated a total of $357 million.

Complaints about anti-social behaviour in Fremantle have prompted the council to enact a zero-tolerance strategy that will include more police patrols, better lighting and a crackdown on begging.

A consortium including Programmed Maintenance Services has been named the preferred bidder for the ACT's $150 million Law Courts Public Private Partnership, while the state government has signed a contract for Western Australia's first schools PPP.

Curtin University has emerged as a key player in moves by a major European climate change action group to establish a venture in Australia and New Zealand.

Water Corporation staff and contractors working on a concrete water tank in the Wheatbelt region have potentially been exposed to deadly asbestos, the state government has confirmed.

Paul Vogel has used his last Environmental Protection Authority annual report to highlight concerns about growing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions, as well as support plans that promote greater uptake of cycling and public transport.