Government

Oil prices have gained ground, shaking off the effects of a strengthening dollar, after an inventory report showed US crude and petrol stocks fell more than expected.

Jobs boost tipped as business outlook lifts

The $5 billion Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund has finalised its second deal, providing nearly $30 million to a barramundi farm in the Northern Territory, two weeks after chair Sharon Warburton stepped down.

The Australian dollar is lower after US stocks fell almost one per cent, amid worries about US-China trade relations and the release of disappointing US retail spending figures.

Oil prices settled a shade firmer after retreating from multi-year highs hit early in the day on Tuesday, supported by concerns that US sanctions on Iran are likely to restrict crude exports from one of the biggest producers in the Middle East.

Gold slid more than one per cent on Tuesday, falling for a third day to hit its lowest this year as a rise in US borrowing costs pushed up the US dollar and overshadowed the impact of strife in Gaza.

GST changes backed, Morrison reaches out

The Australian dollar is lower after US stocks handed back earlier gains to end the session only slightly higher, and copper prices fell.

Oil prices rose on Monday as OPEC reported that the global oil glut has been virtually eliminated, while US crude's discount to global benchmark Brent widened to more than $7, its deepest in five m

Gold slipped on Monday as the US dollar strengthened and precious metals prices remained within a tight range as investors awaited key US data.

Fears warship planning could cut out WA

Julie Bishop and Mathias Cormann have backed the Liberal Party's decision not to contest the Perth and Fremantle by-elections, saying it would be a waste of money.

The Australian dollar is slightly higher, after a Wall Street had a mixed session on Friday and most base metals prices were lower.

Crude prices fell in a see-saw session on Friday, retreating after early gains as it looked likely that US allies would push to maintain a deal with Iran, which could keep that country's crude exports on global markets.

Gold prices were flat on Friday, as the US dollar weakened and investors grew a bit less confident about prospects that the Federal Reserve would raise interest rates three more times in 2018.

Labor gains on ‘fair' budget: poll

Western Australians paid federal taxes of $16.5 billion in the year to June 2017 that were spent outside the state, according to WA Treasury data, with the latest numbers suggesting WA would be the biggest winner from federal moves to cut company and income taxes.

A trade war driven by the Trump-administration's protectionist policies is probably unlikely, former US House of Representatives speaker John Boehner told a Perth audience last night, words that may offer some comfort for those in WA's export industries.

The McGowan government says it will set up a taskforce to investigate establishing a pilot training academy in Western Australia, after Qantas today launched a formal request for proposals from state governments across the country.

WA Labor MP Anne Aly claims that a letter from the Egyptian embassy regarding her citizenship has “put the matter to rest" following concerns surrounding her eligibility for parliament.

The Australian dollar is higher after the US dollar lost ground on the back of some disappointing US inflation data.

Crude prices ended the session slightly higher on Thursday as investors weighed the potential disruption to oil flows from major exporter Iran in the face of US sanctions.

Gold prices rose on Thursday as the US dollar backed away from 2018 highs after weaker-than-forecast US inflation data and as tensions between the United States and Iran also supported the precious metal.

Boost for Tourism WA

The state's net debt will peak at a level $2 billion lower than previously forecast, at $40.9 billion, with Treasurer Ben Wyatt forecasting an operating surplus in the 2021 financial year.

Treasurer Ben Wyatt said today the government was still working on the proposed sale of land registry service Landgate and gaming agency TAB.

State government revenue will be boosted by several policy measures announced today, including increased cost recovery from the mining, maritime and justice sectors, removal of the resource sector's exemption from a training levy, and an increased levy on foreign property buyers.

The Australian dollar is higher. following a strong lead from US stocks and commodity prices.

Oil prices rose about three per cent on Wednesday and hit fresh three-and-a-half year highs after a bigger-than-expected drawdown in US oil inventories extended gains from the United States' decision to quit a nuclear deal with Iran.

Gold prices dipped on Wednesday as safe-haven buying failed to kick in after the United States withdrew from the Iranian nuclear accord, and as rising US Treasury yields added pressure.

Higher WA property surcharge to hit foreign buyers

Fremantle MP Josh Wilson has triggered a third by-election in Western Australia, after resigning today following a High Court ruling that removed Labor senator Katy Gallagher from parliament.