Government

A record jump in the number of people with jobs has surprised economists and sparked questions about the accuracy of the figures.

The unemployment rate is expected to ease from its 12-year high in August but could remain stuck around 6 per cent for some time.

Concerns about the federal budget are back and weighing on consumer confidence.

Labor will not stand a candidate in the seat of Vasse, which was left vacant when former Western Australian treasurer Troy Buswell quit politics.

FEATURE: If the adage ‘three strikes and you're out' applied to the gold mining industry, the curtains would already have been drawn; but some determined locals are fighting on.

A new survey has cast doubt on Joe Hockey's claim that workers will pocket the frozen increases to compulsory employer superannuation contributions.

The federal government's RET review has polarised opinion on the future of renewables in Australia.

Western Australia has "won the argument" about the GST revenue distribution but is yet to see any change, Premier Colin Barnett says.

Leading mining lawyer Michael Blakiston has criticised Premier Colin Barnett's comments urging African mining leaders not to be intimidated by global mining companies and to ensure their citizens received a fair return for their resource exploitation.

Australia's trade deficit is narrowing thanks to a growing volume of iron ore exports, but is likely to stay in the red as the price of the country's biggest export falls.

Consumer confidence among Western Australian shoppers has only marginally improved in the last quarter, a Curtin Business School Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA survey of consumer confidence says.

The Western Australian government is aiming for a quick sale of assets as it struggles to rein in debt, with the premier tipping the Perth Market Authority will be first to go.

Former Western Australian treasurer Troy Buswell has quit politics, citing his ongoing struggle with bipolar disorder and depression as the main reason for his resignation.

The premier of Australia's mining capital has cautioned African nations against succumbing to pressure from resources companies for subsidies.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has confirmed he hopes to sign a nuclear cooperation agreement that will enable Australia to sell uranium to India.

Clive Palmer has been accused of not understanding small business after dealing away tax concessions in a pact to scrap the mining tax.

Joe Hockey's claim Western Australia is suffering from poor budget management is "very unfortunate", Premier Colin Barnett says.

Australia has notched up a record-breaking 23 years of expansion, but the economy remains fragile as it searches for another source of growth to pick up where the mining boom left off.

Roger Hussey has been appointed as inaugural chair of the board for the soon-to-be established Southern Ports Authority, along with Neema Premji who will serve as deputy chair.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has left the cash rate unchanged and again forecast no moves for a period of time.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has intervened in an internal stoush over how the states share GST revenue.

The mining tax is all but abolished after the Senate agreed to repeal the Labor impost with amendments.

The Australian economy is expected to have hit a speed bump after going at breakneck speed earlier in the year.

BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto may be powering ahead, but Australia's mining sector has taken a serious hit in the wake of sliding commodity prices.

Australia is ramping up its business and trade sanctions against Russia.

The Abbott government is making a new attempt to repeal the mining tax - and axe a suite of associated welfare measures.

Treasurer Joe Hockey has issued a fresh invitation to Chinese state-owned enterprises to invest in Australia.

Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett says he is disappointed that Moody's Investors Service downgraded the state's credit rating, describing the analysis as "very weak".

Clive Palmer has apologised to the Chinese ambassador for his televised tirade against the country last week.

FEATURE: Having gained notoriety in the 1996 movie Jerry Maguire, the phrase ‘show me the money' will be heard often, and loudly, in business in Western Australia in coming years as capital inflows become capital outflows and funds become harder-than-ever to raise.

Moody's Investors Service has downgraded Western Australia's credit rating, providing yet another blow to the state's budget woes.

Former public servant Kerry Sanderson has become the first woman to be appointed governor of Western Australia.