Government

Australia's largest independently-owned mortgage broker, Mortgage Choice has been squeezed by the volatile housing finance market to post a net profit after tax on a cash basis of $13 million, a 23.9 per cent decrease on the FY08.

West Perth-based computer and office equipment financing company ThinkSmart has increased first half profit by 17 per cent despite a five per cent drop in revenue and says it remains on target to lift full year earnings.

Wesfarmers flayed despite big profit; Rio resists playing the Hu card; Future Fund stake in Telstra on the block; Union at war over penalties; Super funds face $2bn cut in fees

Australia's economic resilience in the face the global downturn has resulted in the nation being ranked in the world's top five safest countries in which to invest, a recent survey assessing economic, commercial, external and political risk has found.

The CBD has welcomed the latest retail addition to the Hay Street Mall with the opening of the $400 million enex100, which is also part of a broader mixed-use asset which incorporates a 24-level office tower housing over 2,000 people.

National property developer Peet has announced strong results in its year end profit statement, with an operating profit after tax of $31.2 million, excluding revaluation of assets.

The state's only listed financial planning firm, Plan B Group Holdings, suffered a tough year as falling equity markets eroded profits right across the financial services sector.

Nickel miner Mincor Resources has recovered from a big first-half loss to post a modest profit in the second half of the finacial year but it was not enough to save the group from an annual loss of $16 million.

Garrett last Gorgon bar; Qantas to jettison $1.5bn in costs; State tax in reform mix, says Henry; Write-downs cruel Iluka result as zircon sales fall; Major store deals 'real barrier to competition'

COMPANY executives have called on the government to provide more certainty for public sector innovation funding.

Labor to oppose retail trading change

Local executives joined a WA Business News forum to discuss ways to take innovative products into a competitive global market.

He may have made WA his home, but Tim Atterton still wants England to win the Ashes.

The Western Australian Trade Opportunities Service is operated by the International Trade Centre of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia.

THE state opposition spokesperson for science and innovation has called for major changes in the portfolio after a series of significant funding cuts.

HEAVY-LIFT shipping carrier Schiffahrtskontor Altes Land (SAL) has expanded its Australian operations, opening an office in Fremantle as part of a strategic plan to service the Australasian resourc

WESTERN Australia may be an isolated state and its industry dominated by the resources sector, but that need not be a major issue for a technology firm entering the global marketplace.

When it comes to appreciating the public mood, Labor is streets ahead of the Liberals.

WESTERN Australia's resources industry is demanding urgent implementation of measures to overhaul the state's failing approvals processes following a damning review commissioned by the state government.

A RECENT State Administrative Tribunal decision that hinged on the definition of a retail shop could have major implications for business owners.

CURRENCY fluctuations during the past 13 months have made tough economic times a nd difficult trading conditions even more so, but experts suggest there are ways to combat the turbulence.

THE state's politicians will not receive a pay rise this year after the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal ruled the base salary will remain at $128,980 a year.

The state government has established a project team from Main Roads and environmental and engineering consulting firm AECOM to manage environmental approvals, engineering design and community engagement processes for the contentious Roe Highway extension.

Following the Varanus Island explosion last year and today's massive Gorgon gas deal announced with China, the state government has introduced legislation to avert future gas shortages and secure WA's future gas supply.

A leading economist believes the record $50 billion Gorgon liquified natural gas deal with China could lead Western Australia into a "symbiotic" relationship with the Asian giant while the Greens reiterated the deal hasn't received environmental approval.

Engineering and construction company, AusGroup has delivered record earnings thanks to it work in the resources sector over the last 12 months, with revenue and profit surging 26 per cent and 52 per cent respectively.

Mineral sands producer Iluka has posted a net losst after tax loss of $55.8 million in the half year to June 30 after cutting production earlier this year and selling its interest in Consolidated Rutile (CRL).

Western Australia has signed its biggest-ever resources deal overnight, a $50 billion agreement to export liquid natural gas to China.

Twiggy's discount no help to China; French, Santos in gas play; Amcor to buy Alcan despite profit dip; NAB grows housing book; Curtin in bid for medical school

The push for extended retail trading hours in Perth is doomed to fail after the Labor opposition decided to oppose the move, joining the Nationals who also oppose change.

Three regional Western Australian companies have led the country in collectively receiving the greatest funding allocation from the first round of the federal government's $35 million Regional Food Producers Innovation and Productivity Program (RFPIPP).

Super boom forecast as Gorgon go-ahead looms; Miner good as gold after Varanus payout; Fortescue's $7bn shock deal; ASIC push to abolish commissions; Reform call after Storm collapse