Government

Gross domestic product growth will stay below three per cent in the second half of this year and won't get too far above that in 2015, the latest forecasts from the RBA show.

Treasurer Mike Nahan says the government could generate proceeds of up to $3 billion through the sale of several assets earmarked in the budget as candidates for privatisation.

The government appears to have reacted to pre-budget industry fears by declaring only modest cuts to new housing market entrants' stamp duty concessions, however it still earned the wrath of some industry players.

The Barnett government has trimmed back its record capital works spend further, deferring spending on key infrastructure projects including the Swan Valley Bypass.

Western Australia's unemployment rate has remained at 4.9 per cent in April, in line with the national rate which has held steady at 5.8 per cent.

Business directors' confidence in the Coalition has fallen dramatically as the Abbott government's first budget looms, according to a new survey.

Millions of motorists could soon be paying more for petrol if the federal government decides to increase the fuel excise in next week's budget.

The retail sector appears to be suffering a hangover after strong spending over the Christmas period and is unlikely to bounce back any time soon, according to analysts.

Stamp duty concessions for first home buyers appear set to be trimmed, with Premier Colin Barnett hinting the change will be among measures introduced in tomorrow's state budget.

Premier Colin Barnett has not ruled out the possibility of disgraced former treasurer Troy Buswell returning to his cabinet, but says it will not happen in the "medium term".

The Barnett government would raise nearly $6 billion by selling the state's three major ports, if the Western Australian sales attracted the same surprisingly high bidding interest as recent port sales on the east coast.

The federal government is under pressure to rethink a planned tax increase and pension changes in next week's budget, with a new poll showing support for the coalition has fallen to its lowest level in almost four years.

Former Treasurer Troy Buswell says he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder but has refused to address claims he was drunk when he crashed his car several times on the short journey home from a wedding.

Australians born from 1965 will have to wait until they turn 70 before being eligible for the age pension, federal Treasurer Joe Hockey has confirmed.

The NSW and WA governments should follow through on commitments to make lobbyists fully accountable.

The Federal Government's commission of audit has outlined 86 recommendations aimed at saving the budget up to $70 billion annually, with pensions, Medicare benefits, tax concessions and public service jobs all in the firing line.

If prices for iron ore, coal, oil and gold are falling, which they are, how long before the Australian dollar follows?

The commission of audit could recommend including the family home in the pension assets test, cuts to education and health and a maximum co-payment of $20 to see a bulk-billing doctor.

Former foreign affairs and defence minister Stephen Smith has been appointed a professor of international law at The University of Western Australia.

The final results of the re-run Western Australian Senate election have been announced, confirming Labor's assumption it has missed out on a second seat.

Fallen West Australian treasurer Troy Buswell has offered an apology after being fined $3,100 and disqualified from driving for one year over 11 traffic offences in one night.

People earning more than $80,000 will be in the firing line if the federal government pushes ahead with a national debt levy.

Business conditions among small and medium-sized firms in Western Australia have declined despite the national average jumping to a four-year high.

Western Australia remains the nation's best performing economy but the Northern Territory is a close second.

Western Australia's Environmental Protection Authority will assess the Barnett government's proposal to extend its controversial catch-and-kill shark policy for a further three years.

Lower than expected inflation means the Reserve Bank of Australia can keep the cash rate at its current low, according to economists.

Perth's crowded events calendar is set to accommodate another major conference, with more than 1,000 delegates set to attend the World Wide Web conference in 2017.

It should no longer be compulsory for members of the Labor Party to join a union and every supporter should be able to join up with one click of a computer mouse, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten says.

Federal MP Clive Palmer has strongly indicated his party won't support the Abbott government's climate change direct action plan, labelling it a "token gesture" and a waste of money.

The state budget will "impact" the cost of living so the state can retain a surplus, Premier Colin Barnett says.

The City of Subiaco has rebuffed a proposal from the City of Perth to incorporate its key commercial landmarks into the capital city borders while avoiding low-density residential areas.

Western Australian households will be slugged by next month's state budget because the government "maxed out" spending on big projects and increased public sector wages, the new treasurer warns.