Government

Traditional owners in favour of Woodside Petroleum's Browse gas hub say a $1.5 billion compensation deal will save lives and that they don't want former Greens leader Bob Brown speaking for them.

Forrestfield-based Quality Builders has won a $4.6 million contract with the Department of Education after under-cutting competition by almost $2 million.

Australian business confidence has posted a turnaround, with expectations reaching levels not seen for 10 years, according to a private study.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says the federal government is waging a "jihad" against outspoken mining magnates and is trying to muzzle its critics in the media.

The state government has reappointed Carlson Wagonlit Travel to manage WA politicians’ travel arrangements for the next three years.

Interest rate cuts in recent months have failed to lift sentiment in the business sector, with a new survey showing conditions went backwards in the second quarter.

Job advertisements have recorded a fourth consecutive month of falls, as the Australian job market appears to be softening.

The federal opposition insists it is not against foreign investment, despite proposing a plan to toughen rules for international investors looking to buy Australian agricultural land.

Labor leader Mark McGowan won't be asking Prime Minister Julia Gillard to be at his side during the next state election.

It was a canal too far that lost him a state election.But Premier Colin Barnett hasn't given up on his much-derided ambition for a 3,700km waterway from the Kimberley to Perth.

Western Australia’s financial executives appear to be more confident than others of business improving over the next 12 months.

The government has ruled out basing a United States Navy carrier battle group in Western Australia.

Wayne Swan has every right to attack rich mining magnates for acting in their own interests, Australian Workers Union national secretary Paul Howes says.

The City of Cockburn has been rated the state’s most sustainable local government area.

Talk of a two speed economy in Australia is damaging, says National Australia Bank CEO Cameron Clyne.

The debate over the proposed James Price Point gas hub looks set to dominate the battle for the seat of Kimberley in next years election.

A fall in the annual rate of price inflation to a 13-year low surprised many Australians worried about cost of living pressures.

West Australian Premier Colin Barnett has accused Julia Gillard of being inflexible in talks with states and territories over the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

 Proposed amendments to the living away from home allowance (LAFHA) will affect more than a "narrow group of people" as described by Treasurer Wayne Swan, a federal parliamentary hearing has b

The West Australian premier's call for GST distribution reform is very reasonable but any change needs to benefit the whole nation, opposition treasury spokesman Joe Hockey says.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has taken aim at Liberal state premiers over their refusal to sign up to plans for a national disability insurance scheme.

Australia has posted its lowest annual inflation rate since 1999, leaving the door open for more interest rate cuts by the central bank.

Premier Colin Barnett has proposed the bulk of GST revenue should be distributed on a per capita basis, with the remainder distributed to the states based on need.

Redundant workers from ailing sectors such as manufacturing are being targeted for work in the resources sector, Minister for Employment Participation Kate Ellis says.

Employers are looking for staff with resilience and perseverance as tough, stressful economic times affect hiring intentions.

Australia was in a good position to avoid the global financial crisis and should continue to use its "lucky" position to shield against further economic shocks, the central bank governor says.

Funds for the National Disability Insurance Scheme should not be consumed by unnecessary bureaucracy, the state government has warned its federal counterparts.

Australia's economic growth should stay around current levels until 2017, but there's a risk the nation will become even more sensitive to commodity price swings than it is now, a report warns.

Reports of the mining boom's demise are greatly exaggerated, some say, but few dispute the likelihood of continued easing in commodity prices.

Corporate observers will pay $6600 a head to attend events at the upcoming federal conference of the Nationals.

A rise in Australia's June quarter producer price index could mean Wednesday's inflation data will be stronger, but it should not prevent more interest rate cuts by the central bank, economists say