Government

Japan, the world's second largest economy and WA's second largest trading partner has joined Europe's two biggest economies, Germany and France in recording positive economic growth in the June quarter.

Australia's third largest internet service provider, iiNet, has posted a 28.8 per cent jump in full year profit after lifting subscriber numbers and says it is well placed for the current financial year.

Woodside urged to pick up Pluto pace; Property sector takes a $51bn hit; Banks tighten credit to first-homebuyers; Amcor joins raising rush in $2.4bn Rio package deal; Commodities slump to hit Rio Tinto

Apache Energy has failed in its bid to secure an injunction from the Supreme Court preventing Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore from viewing a report into last year's Varanus Island gas explosion.

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.

Doctors warn if more cuts to health services; Labor tips WA deficit blow-out; Telstra's rookie delivers on old script; China is still BHP's best customer; Shell chief breezes in to talk assets

Environment Minister Donna Faragher has today approved the export of lead from Magellan Metals' Wiluna mine through the port of Fremantle.

The Department of Mines and Petroleum has reached its target for clearing the backlog of project approvals during the June quarter.

Western Australian full-time workers are the highest earners in the country compared to other states, pulling in an average annual wage of $70,886.

BHP Billiton, Chevron, Rio Tinto, Woodside Petroleum and the North West Shelf Venture will collectively provide more than $5 million towards the Pilbara's health services as part of a partnership with the government.

The WA opposition has continued its campaign to target the economic credentials of Premier Colin Barnett's government and his Treasurer Troy Buswell by releasing a gloomy review of the state's financial future.

Voting in local council elections will be more transparent and less susceptible to manipulation by the big political parties after the state parliament passed legislation to return to the first-pass-the-post voting system.

Reed Resources has moved to expand its tenement portfolio, signing a $3.2 million option agreement to acquire the Mount Marion lithium project near Kalgoorlie.

BHP warns idle capacity threatens price recovery; Rhodes, Cole names in Great Southern cattle writ; CBA chief warns of a further downturn, despite $4.7bn profit; Confidence hits two-year peak; China softens charges against Hu

The financial planning industry is facing a structural overhaul as parliamentary committees, industry groups and the public debate proposed reforms. Jonathan Barrett asked three Perth financial planners for their opinion on how to improve the industry.

China is facing a number of significant internal challenges, all of which may have a wider impact beyond its borders.

THE state's biggest industry superannuation fund, Westscheme, has shed its impressive gains generated in the years leading up to the financial crisis after its large portfolio of unlisted assets was savaged by the downturn.

WESTERN Australian farmers and industry groups have defended the export of live sheep after a RSPCA-commissioned report suggested the valuable trade could be phased out with little impact on local sheep farmers and the Australian economy.

The signs are good for exporters, in the medium-term at least, according to a recent survey.

AS I walked up to the Haagen-Dazs counter at my local mall, a guy who must have been 195-centimetres tall was counting money.

More people are seeking to enter the multi-billion-dollar franchising industry. But what makes a successful franchise?

Business confidence hits two-year high

MINERS expect little benefit from the federal government's easing of foreign investment review regulations, which is aimed at speeding the flow of foreign capital into the junior end of the sector.

Multiple economic reviews have reached varied conclusions but the outlook for Western Australia clearly has many positives.

THE Water Corporation is considering Western Australia's biggest public-private partnership to date, advising industry it is seeking privately financed proposals for its Mundaring Water Treatment Plant worth as much as $300 million.

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

MAJOR reform to the franchising sector could follow the release of a federal government inquiry into the industry's code of conduct.

MINES and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore expects consensus will be reached between all partners in the $30 billion Browse LNG project about the best development option despite tension over the gov

Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore has today released a report making 15 key recommendations into improving the state's exploration and development approvals process.

The number of temporary skilled overseas workers coming to Western Australia dropped nearly 10 per cent in the 2009 financial year following changes implemented by the Rudd government and the global economic slowdown.

Premier Colin Barnett has taken the next step in the development of the Kimberley LNG hub with the release of the social impact scope and profile report and the call for tenders for the strategic assessment report.

Business rebuffs coalition on climate; China mulls $1bn boost for Fortescue; Rising steel erodes China iron hope; JB Hi-Fi posts massive profit jump; Racing heir named in share trading investigation