Government

SPECIAL REPORT: There has been a major shift in business influence in WA amid waning international investment and, with two elections on the way, there is a prospect of even bigger changes in political influence. Click through to see our listing of WA's most infliential leaders in politics and business.

Managing the state's economic transition was the main focus of today's cabinet reshuffle, Premier Colin Barnett said, with tourism and agriculture in his sights as key growth industries.

Barnett takes Tourism in shuffle

The Australian dollar has been boosted by greenback weakness following a mixed batch of US data.

Gold has edged up, as the US dollar retreated after weaker-than-expected US data, but has stayed close to a one-month low with investors focused on speeches by Federal Reserve officials that could give more clues on potential interest rate increases.

Wall Street was mixed as weaker-than-expected US economic data reduced concerns about potential interest rate hikes and a dip in oil prices pushed down energy shares.

The state government's privatisation program hit more trouble today, with a mining lobby group that represents the users of the Utah Point wharf condemning a lack of consultation on the proposed sale. It follows a move by the National Party on Tuesday to refer the sale legislation to a parliamentary committee.

Population growth rates have fallen in Western Australia and across the country as a whole, with WA experiencing a sharp drop in overseas migration and a net loss of people through interstate migration.

Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard is pushing for international trade opportunities with China to put Joondalup on the map as a city that can hold its own on the global stage.

Perth Airport soars high in rankingsPerth Airport has shed its moniker as one of Australia's worst airports to emerge as one of the best. The West

Wall Street has closed lower as oil and materials share prices dropped as investors stayed cautious after deadly bombing attacks in Belgium.

Spot gold has fallen about two per cent, one of its deepest declines of the past year, as the US dollar strengthened following hawkish comments by Federal Reserve officials on the path of US interest rates.

The Australian dollar has plummeted as commodities slide.

The Supreme Court has appointed a receiver to take charge of the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation in the lead-up to a general meeting set for next month to settle a long-running dispute with a breakaway organisation backed by Fortescue Metals Group.

The state government's asset sales campaign has hit a major snag today, with state Nationals leader Terry Redman announcing the party would not support the sale of Fremantle Ports, which had been forecast to raise $2 billion.

Programmed Maintenance Services will provide infrastructure maintenance services to seven state government agencies under a contract potentially worth up to $1.5 billion.

Atlas, BGC duel on eve of bond rescue deal

Energy giant Woodside Petroleum has put on hold its multi-billion dollar Browse liquefied natural gas project in view of the challenging market environment.

Gold has risen as investors seek assets seen as havens from risk after deadly bomb attacks hit Brussels airport and a rush-hour Metro train in the Belgian capital.

US stocks have closed slightly lower, regrouping from early losses following attacks on the airport and a rush-hour metro train in Brussels.

The Australian dollar has recovered from losses suffered after bombings in Brussels.

The amount of money spent by businesses in Western Australia on research and development fell by 34 per cent in the five years to 2013-14, a new study has revealed.

State-owned Gold Corporation has revealed a $24.9 million pre-tax profit for the first half of the 2016 financial year on the back of higher volumes and cost rationalisation.

Iluka Resources is looking for a new chief executive after David Robb decided to step down in the second half of 2016.

PM pulls the trigger

Wall Street has closed little changed as investors search for fresh catalysts and show concern about fully-extended share prices after a five-week rally.

Gold has fallen for a third session, with demand for bullion hurt as the US dollar arrests three weeks of declines after hawkish comments from US Federal Reserve officials renewed expectations of US interest rate rises.

The Australian dollar is marginally stronger on higher oil and iron ore prices, but it's expected to fall.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has upped pressure on the Senate crossbench to pass the government's two reforms to trade union governance by announcing parliament will sit an extra three-week session beginning next month.

Rio chief-in-waiting plays down expansion

Gold has edged lowery, as the US dollar steadied above a five-month low, after the Federal Reserve scaled back rate increase expectations.

The Australian dollar is slightly weaker on mixed signals, but there's a chance it can consolidate recent gains against the greenback.