Government

Confidencce in the Western Australian rural sector has bucked the national trend and risen slightly, although levels are still well below the near record highs of last year, according to the latest Rabobank survey.

Local Government Minister John Castrilli has announced $10,000 financial packages for local councils that agree to prepare submissions for voluntary amalgamation by the August deadline.

Government and industry have endorsed the Environmental Protection Authority's proposal to adopt a new 'risk based' approach for project assessment, unveiled in a report today.

Barnett hints at shop hours change this year; China holds fire on OZ veto; 400 BankWest jobs under threat; Recession to blow out budget deficit; Banks crunch on depositors

China Minmetals' proposed takeover of OZ Minerals cannot go ahead if it incudes the target's mining operations in Prominent Hill because it would breach national security, Treasurer Wayne Swan says.

The seven Filipino 457 workers who were laid off from Premier Building Solutions have lost their bid to stay in Australia and are likely to be deported after April 9.

Australia's major forestry companies are disappointed they have not negotiated an increase for the benchmark price of exported Tasmanian bluegum woodchip with Japan.

Property developer Peet plans to raise $81.5 million through a rights issue, with around two-thirds of the raising underwritten by company directors and UBS.

The state's meatworkers union says it would not be surprised if Harvey Beef workers voted in favour of a new pay deal today, which will cut a third of employee's pay packets by 20 per cent.

The export of lead from the seaside town of Esperance has been plagued with controversy in recent times, however the first shipment of lead carbonate will soon be heading to southern China after being stranded at the port for the past two years.

Rio's Chinalco deal clears first hurdle; Swan throws debt lifeline to the states; Bank chiefs see upside; Canadian uranium player eyes View camp; Chalice Bridge put up for sale

THE federal government's revamp of industrial awards is causing unexpected turmoil in the financial services sector as a result of significant changes to superannuation arrangements between employers and employees.

Of all people, Joel Fitzgibbon should understand the dangers of bigger government.

AN extensive upgrade of the road network around Perth airport is set to be Western Australia's biggest roads project over the next few years.

The premier is big on rhetoric but lacks a clear plan for infrastructure.

THE Royalties for Regions scheme couldn't have come at a better time for the state's rural areas, with the list of infrastructure projects being developed helping cushion the regions from the worst of the economic downturn.

A LOT has changed in the past year,the skilled labour shortage has all but gone and unemployment is at 5.2 per cent.

HOW do a journalist and a photographer from Perth end up chatting about fast cars and a balanced diet with a leading racing driver in the state's remote outback? The answer to that lies in the modern mine site and just how far companies are prepared to go

THE drying climate and a growing population has resulted in Western Australia budgeting to spend an average of about $1 billion per year for the next five years on major water supply capital projects.

FRANCHISE owner Steve Waddingham fears he could lose his Muzz Buzz drive-through coffee shop on High Street in East Fremantle after plans to extend the road would require the state government to acquire the small business.

ALMOST nine months after the Varanus Island incident, which cut the state's gas supply by a third and cost Western Australian businesses almost $2.

Tangible, genuine action is needed to engage and motivate staff so the best results are achieved for all parties.

WESTERN Australia's leading business groups agree that the state requires a solid infrastructure strategy in order to correctly prioritise the state's key projects.

Ninniku Jip offers Asian fusion the whole family can enjoy amid the thriving strip in East Victoria Park, as Jashuan Dias discovered.

A COUPLE of Western Australian geothermal energy companies are hoping to make their mark on expanding clean energy markets thanks to some locally developed technology.

HOPES of Perth throwing off its Dullsville tag once and for all have been dashed with the government's belt-tightening and its shift in priorities for key infrastructure projects.

THE development of a specialised harvester has been hailed as a crucial breakthrough in creating a commercially viable oil mallee industry.

THE state government has moved on two of the largest hospital developments undertaken in metropolitan and regional Western Australia, with the commitment of more than $3 billion in health projects.

Shadow Treasurer Ben Wyatt has today expressed concerns that the abolition of the State Supply Commission will have an adverse effect on small businesses.

Peak gas industry groups have urged government backing for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry to achieve its economic and environmental potential.

The WA Local Government Association has urged its members to press ahead with reform plans, after the state government said it would not legislate to force mergers of local councils.

Federal Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr has officially launched a new centre to give Western Australia's manufacturing companies practical help in improving day to day business.