Government

Federal Treasury has again been too optimistic with its latest budget forecast.

The Barnett government's cost-cutting measures in the state budget have prompted an industry backlash, with the government accused of adding to the cost of doing business in Western Australia.

The state government will embark on a record infrastructure spend of almost $27 billion over the next four years, despite a deterioration of the state's revenue base and warnings from credit agenci

The cost of refurbishing Muja power station, which was meant to cost taxpayers nothing, has officially hit $331 million.

Increased land tax rates, more rigorous tax compliance, and the introduction of school fees for children of 457 visa holders are among a suite of measures the government has introduced to lift reve

The Barnett government is forecast to deliver a $147 million budget deficit in 2014-15, with a blowout in spending and net debt set to place significant strain on the state's finances.

Premier Colin Barnett says he hasn't given up pushing for the Woodside-led Browse gas project to be developed onshore in the Kimberley.

Kevin Rudd's stoush with media mogul Rupert Murdoch is showing no signs of easing, with the prime minister demanding to know what talks, if any, Tony Abbott has had with him over the future of the

The state government's proposed council amalgamations were framed in terms of increasing efficiency, but could make life more difficult for developers.

There was good news and bad news for the Labor government in the latest jobs data.

On the eve of the state budget, Premier Colin Barnett has foreshadowed program cuts and "revenue measures" as the once-boom state struggles with lower income.

The coalition's plan to cut company tax will boost jobs, opposition leader Tony Abbott says.

The High Court has upheld Labor's controversial Minerals Resource Rent Tax, rejecting a challenge launched by miner Fortescue Metals Group.

The Reserve Bank and currency markets are helping business, but what about Canberra?

The $1 billion Gateway WA roads project is set to proceed to major delivery, with finalisation of the project price, scope of works and construction methodology.

Weak international trade figures and job ads data shows Australian economic transition away from a mining investment boom is not going as smoothly as it could.

If a political leader in election mode was looking for a sensible road project to fund, they could offer to improve the key industrial exit roads heading north out of Perth.

Labor and the coalition are at odds over what an expected interest rate cut means for the economy as the election campaign enters its second day.

Having cleared the decks, Labor has decided the timing's right for the election.

The rate of inflation increased in July but it's still within the Reserve Bank of Australia's two to three per cent target band.

Labor plans to inject an extra $200 million into the car industry and ensure 100 per cent of the commonwealth car fleet is Australian-made.

A tax hike on cigarettes and a levy on bank deposits could be maintained under a federal coalition government.

Kevin Rudd has an image problem – he's too concerned with his image to work at developing good policy.

Business groups believe Treasurer Chris Bowen has missed an opportunity to improve Australia's competitiveness, encourage economic growth and provide jobs.

The Rudd government's revenues have taken a $33 billion hit amid worsening economic conditions.

Tony Abbott has moved to neutralise the issue of education ahead of the federal election by dropping his opposition to the government's school funding plan.

Liza Harvey will become Western Australia's new tourism minister, replacing Kim Hames who was forced to give up the portfolio after admitting an expenses bungle.

The state budget to be delivered on August 8 is expected to remain in surplus, despite the government preparing for a further major reduction in GST revenue.

Treated waste water from toilets, showers and washing machines will be pumped back into the state's water system following a three-year trial.

Finance Minister Penny Wong has declined to say whether or not the government plans to impose a deposit levy on banks, despite a fall in share market values.

Treasurer Chris Bowen says a substantial hike in tobacco excise to raise $5.3 billion for the federal coffers will contribute to the government's planned return to a budget surplus, but more import