Government

Treasurer Troy Buswell has admitted the Barnett government showed a lack of "political ticker" by reversing a number of unpopular savings measures just days after the release of last year's state budget.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has rejected accusations the government is "leaning on" the industrial umpire in an effort to cut the penalty rates of workers.

Aboriginal contractor the Indigenous Construction Resource Group has made the largest pledge by an indigenous company to the Australian Employment Covenant - promising to deliver 150 jobs for indig

The federal government says any change to the modern award system needs to look at the impact of penalty rates on employers.

Former federal treasurer Peter Costello has been named chairman of the Future Fund, while Perth business leader John Poynton has been appointed as a member of the board.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the cash rate at 2.5 per cent, highlighting an improved outlook for the local and overseas economies.

Export commodity prices fell in January to their lowest level for nearly four years.

The average annual salary advertised by online jobs site SEEK dropped by more than $3000 in 2013.

Soft economic growth and a weakening jobs market mean another interest rate cut can't be ruled out, a leading business group says.

Australian CEOs expect another weak year for business growth, a survey shows.

With Treasury chief Tim Marney departing for a role in the mental health sector, the Barnett government faces the task of finding permanent senior executives for several key departments.

The cash rate is expected to stay on hold as the Reserve Bank gauges the effects of previous cuts and the falling Australian dollar.

The voters of Western Australia will learn on Monday if they are to return to the polls for a second Senate election.

The federal government has rejected a request from fruit processor SPC Ardmona to provide a $25 million lifeline.

Unions have launched a counter-attack over claims of corruption and misconduct, as the Abbott government considers how widely to extend a new inquiry.

A slowdown in China could still be good news for Australia, a leading economist says.

Treasurer Joe Hockey has warned of volatile economic times ahead, but says the trend is favouring a stronger global economy.

A City of Perth senior project officer tasked with overseeing major projects has been charged with two counts of corruption relating to CBD capital works.

Well behind the Liberal Party when it comes to fund raising, state Labor needs to rethink its strategies.

Cost management remains the biggest issue for chief financial officers, who are also expecting the labour market to remain sluggish this year according to a new poll by professional services firm Deloitte.

Under-fire security company Serco has launched an immediate investigation after a prisoner was left unguarded by its staff during a trip to Royal Perth Hospital.

Plans for a major industrial hub at Forrestdale are gathering momentum, with planning approvals granted and manufacturing giant Hitachi preparing to start construction on a new $100 million headquarters.

Leading property developer Nigel Satterley has hit back at claims the first home owners grant is a policy failure, arguing the grant has provided an ongoing boost to the Western Australian housing market.

Australia's rising jobless rate is chipping away at consumer confidence, a new survey has revealed.

The prospect of another interest rate cut just became more difficult after the inflation rate unexpectedly jumped to its highest level in two years.

The state government is hoping to deliver greater planning certainty to suburbs around Kwinana by agreeing to introduce legislation securing a buffer zone between industrial and residential land uses.

Western Australia is still topping the other states when it comes to economic performance.

Perth Arena has been named as one of the world's top entertainment venues, ahead of iconic venues including New York's Madison Square Garden and London's O2 Arena.

Spending has risen across the Australian economy for 16 consecutive months and a lower Australian dollar, along with improving consumer sentiment, should provide a further boost this year.

A falling power pole on the property of an 82-year-old woman sparked the Perth Hills firestorm that destroyed 55 dwellings but the government's energy safety regulator says she is unlikely to be penalised.

Consumer and business lending is growing at the fastest pace since the global financial crisis as record low interest rates trigger a recovery in personal loans.

Government regulator Energy Safety has confirmed last weekend's devastating Parkerville fire, which claimed 52 homes, was caused by the failure of a privately owned power pole.