Government

Australia's big four banks have today matched the central bank with an increase of their standard variable mortgage interest rate by 25 basis points.

Perth-based Royal Resources has signed a $50 million binding deal with a Singaporean company for the joint development of the Razorback magnetite iron ore deposit in South Australia.

Western Australia's unemployment rate has risen to a seasonally adjusted 5.8 per cent in September, bucking the national 0.1 per cent fall, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said today.

RBA's interest rate increase inspires world markets; Iron ore exports on the rise; NZ taxman chases Westpac for $825m; Alcoa to keep up competition pressure; Labor backflip on GST relief

FOLLOWING unprecedented growth at Perth Airport during the past seven years, Westralia Airports Corporation's completion of a new financing process worth $882 million will fund long-overdue expansion plans at the domestic and international terminals.

THE federal government has allocated $5.5 million to Western Australia for the restoration and conservation of some of the state's heritage places, including the main cell block within the Fremantle Prison.

A gourmet deli in Subiaco with a winning formula for success is expanding its business.

Flouting basic economic principles can have disastrous consequences.

PERTH'S metropolitan coast could host nine major marina developments in coming years adding 2,500 new boat pens.

Small and large investors are going to have to get used to a new paradigm as the GFC fallout continues in 2010.

Development of the $43 billion Gorgon LNG project has been called an economy changing jobs bonanza. With a slew of other major oil and gas projects in the wings, how real are the opportunities for local business to share in the benefits?

Population expansion, water shortages, and degradation of land fertility will elevate agriculture to a position of global strategic importance over the next two decades.

THE controversy over the pay packet of Michele Dolin, chief executive of the state superannuation agency GESB has overshadowed the long-running debate over the organisation's future being held at the highest levels of government.

PLANNING for the unexpected is a critical task that many businesses fail to complete or in some cases even start.

Bill Hassell is passionate about issues that matter to him, particularly when governance is concerned.

Industry dismay over RBA rate rise  The Reserve Bank of Australia's decision to lift the official cash rate has caused surprise and dismay from various lobby groups, with one from WA saying the central bank has acted too hastily.

A NEW association representing not-for-profit employers in the non-government sector has been given approval by the state's Industrial Relations Commission to become a registered employer organisation.

Monopolies are everywhere, and we tolerate them despite their often-poor delivery.

WHERE are all the people? Put simply, Western Australia doesn't have enough of them with the right skills and experience to make the most of the surge in oil and gas development.

Compulsory voting raises the hackles of many people but could there be merit in extending the concept to local councils and companies?

BURSWOOD-BASED Aegis Aged Care Group has strengthened its ranking as the largest operator in the sector by taking over six facilities, despite financial pressures besetting the industry.

AS a pack of reporters thrust their dictaphones in front of Troy Buswell late last week, the treasurer remarked that it reminded him of something other than a press conference.

Demand for home loans in Western Australia has fallen 4.5 per cent in August as first home buyers retreat from the market, new figures show.

IT services provider Empired will build on its presence in Victoria after securing a $3 million contract with the state government's Department of Education and Early Childhood Development for infrastructure outsourcing services.

The state government seems to be enhancing its focus on business in regional areas of the state with the launch of a rural business mentoring program and plans this week for a visit to the north of the state exploring opportunities and obstacles for busin

Deputy Opposition Leader Julie Bishop will be in Perth this weekend to try to head-off a Liberal Party revolt over the emissions trading scheme, after Malcolm Turnbull said he would push for negotiations.

Western Australia is likely to be one of the few developed economies in the world to avoid a recession during the global economic slowdown, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA said today in its quarterly economic snapshot.

Budget cuts cost 471 jobs at RPH; Perth high on list of powerful; Rates move sends wrong sign; Extra malt elevates GrainCorp; ConsMin misled exchange on Mindy Mindy, tribunal told

The state government has contributed $7.4 million from the royalties for regions scheme for the upgrade of the Gascoyne irrigation pipeline, which will unlock the region's potential to become a key food producer.

The Reserve Bank of Australia's decision to lift the official cash rate has caused surprise and dismay from various lobby groups, with one from WA saying the central bank has acted too hastily.

Australia has become the first western economy in the world to lift interest rates with the Reserve Bank of Australia today increasing the official cash rate by 25 basis points.

The state government has revealed plans to increase foreshore land reserves for the Swan and Canning river systems as part of an overall plan to create a network of pathways, including one that stretches from Fremantle to the Swan Valley.