Government

Expanding the coverage of the foreign ownership register, further investment in infrastructure, abolition of excessive regulation and adjustments to the tax system have all been suggested as policy initiatives in the federal government’s Agricultural Competitiveness green paper.

The federal budget deficit is running nearly $2 billion smaller than anticipated at this stage of the financial year.

The weak iron ore price has cast a shadow over the state government’s asset sales agenda and raised concerns the commodity’s slump will affect the sale price for the Kwinana Bulk Terminal and the Utah Point port.

The federal government has made sweeping red tape cuts to save time consumed by paperwork as small and medium businesses grow more confident about the year ahead, but a growing number believes the state government is working against their best interests, according to the latest Sensis survey.

The state government will legislate to include the University of Western Australia, Kings Park, the QEII Medical Centre and the City of Vincent in the City of Perth, but will not include the Burswood Peninsula after that proposal was rejected by the independent Local Government Advisory Board.

Australia has secured a deal with China for zero tariffs on coal exports under a free trade deal Canberra hopes to conclude next month, it's been reported.

A slowdown in annual price rises has been partly attributed to the federal coalition government's repeal of the carbon tax.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott is hopeful of securing a free trade agreement with China by the time of the G20 summit in November.

Australia is remembering the life and legacy of former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, who died aged 98.

Housing investment is booming, but the Reserve Bank of Australia is still not giving any indication when it intends to increase its interest rate.

Encouraging employee share ownership, reform in vocational education and training, increasing skilled immigration, and the establishment of industry growth centres will be key planks in the federal government’s new industry innovation and competitiveness agenda, released last week.

The state government has further incentive to loosen retail trading restrictions after a Productivity Commission report found current regulations are of no benefit to business, but impose a major cost on consumers.

The Australian dairy industry would not benefit from adoption of a Fonterra-style ‘national champion’, as in New Zealand, and suggestions otherwise are not consistent with market realities, according to a recent Productivity Commission report.

Former Western Australian chief justice David Kingsley Malcolm achieved a lot during his 18 years in the role, and will be remembered as a kind and patient man by those who knew him.

Business leader Kerry Stokes says the Western Australian economy is heading for its toughest period in two decades, but expects the state will resume healthy growth within a couple of years.

It's the big deal nobody knows anything about.

Some farmers will have to take a hit for the nation if proposed plans to build more dams are approved, Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce says.

New South Wales has knocked off Western Australia as the country's strongest economy, as the glow of the mining investment boom continues to fade.

Colin Barnett has promised not to increase iron ore royalty rates amid an awkward stoush with the world's biggest miners.

With the abolishment of the carbon tax, Transperth fares will be reduced by 1.5 per cent from November 1 while a free day of travel has been arranged for November 3 to compensate for fares already charged.

The Western Australian premier has downplayed his verbal attack on BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, claiming he never suggested the two mining giants were colluding.

Foreign buyers are flocking to buy Australian property, snapping up one out of every six new homes - and that number is set to get higher.

Climate experts have no doubt Australia has the highest per capita emissions in the developed world.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has blasted the Australian National University's "stupid decision" to get rid of its fossil fuels share portfolio.

Consumers are starting to feel a little more optimistic, but confidence remains down in the dumps.

The state government has agreed to increase the price it pays Premier Coal for its coal supplies, as uncertainty continues over the fate of fellow Collie producer Griffin Coal.

The Western Australian premier has again accused BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto of flooding a depressed iron ore market, putting further downward pressure on the commodity's price.

In a report due to be released next month, the OECD will present a picture of the state of the digital economies of its member countries.

The federal government will spend $400 million on tax breaks for start-up companies and innovation centres in a bid to kick-start the economy.

Australian business confidence has taken a dive in the face of tough trading conditions and dwindling profits.

Education Minister Christopher Pyne has described Australian National University's controversial decision to divest its fossil fuels share portfolio as bizarre.

Education funding cuts in Western Australia will leave 90 per cent of the state's public school students worse off, the teachers' union says.