Government

ECONOMIST Ian Satchwell doesn't mince his words when describing the likely impact of big LNG projects like Gorgon.

Marylyn New takes an unconventional approach to decision making, but it works.

The Gorgon gas project set to proceed this year will be followed by more mega projects off the WA coast, presenting exciting opportunities.

BRIEFCASE notes that many oil and gas stocks, such as Pan Pacific, Carnarvon Petroleum, Cooper Energy and AED Oil, show little if any market value for their ongoing operating cash flow from production activities, while some trade at or below their cash as

FOUR women working on the same commercial building project in the city have joined forces to launch Western Australia's first association dedicated to women working in construction.

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

TWO of Perth's mid-sized law firms are heading in different directions, with Hammond Worthington Lawyers planning to split up after 17 years and Christensen Vaughan joining national firm Gadens Lawyers.

Politicians seem well-placed to take up lucrative careers as lobbyists after they leave parliament.

THE state's caravan industry is preparing for its biggest trade event of the year, with signs the changing demographics of the caravan and camper trailer market could prop up sales.

State and federal governments can work together on labour market policy.

TORTUOUS state government efforts to find a site for an LNG processing hub on the Kimberley coast may count for nought, at least for the next decade.

A restaurant that has been around in one form or another for the best part of six decades must be doing something right. Russell Quinn discovers some secrets of The Romany Restaurant’s success.

PEAK industry figures have cautiously welcomed state and federal government initiatives to soften the impact of the economic downturn on business, including the announcement of cuts to skilled migration.

TWO real estate agency acquisitions in recent weeks could be a sign of increased activity in the sector, as business looks to rationalise their operations and gain economies of scale during the down cycle.

SMALL to medium-sized enterprises are frustrated that interest rates for business loans remain higher than loans in the residential sector.

SUBIACO-BASED Graynic Metals is looking to Latin America to help establish itself as a developing nickel explorer and developer.

A national small business lobby group is urging the state government to ignore calls to privatise or amalgamate the Small Business Development Corporation.

The Rudd government will introduce new laws to curb excessive termination payments for executives, amid community concern about high "golden handshakes" given to departing company heads.

Credit squeeze – WA seeks federal help to raise $1.3bn; Rio slashed $277m off value of Kwinana HIsmelt project; Euroz client was unaware of Opes danger, court told; Mortgage freeze for the jobless; Axa in $660m capital raising

The Perth director of global engineering company Connell Wagner hopes its merger with two South African companies will boost the chances of winning work on major projects.

Territory Resources has taken a sizeable $38 million hit to its half-year earnings with the iron ore miner reporting an interim net loss of $33.3 million.

Asciano sell-off plan as debts bite deeper; Big Rio holder damns sell-out; Brains behind new Macquarie model; Miner puts 5000 jobs on the line; China spree puts heat on foreign investment rules

Western Australians are most likely to be concerned about the state of the economy than other states or territories, according to the Sensis Consumer Report released today.

Wesfarmers' coal division, Premier Coal, has bought a further 30 per cent interest in Blackham Resources' tenements that surround the existing Scadden Energy joint venture near Esperance.

Perth firm Christensen Vaughan will merge with the Perth operations of national legal firm Gadens Lawyers to form an expanded commercial legal practice in Western Australia.

State to shed 500 public servants; Rio Tinto deal faces extra scrutiny; Jobs plan to save lost generation; House sales crash as spooked owners stay put; G20 baulks at US push for spending

Perth remains among the most expensive in the world for office accommodation, however, a new research report released by DTZ has forecast a decline in occupancy costs in the year ahead.

Job losses worst for 18 years; NAB boss initiates an evolution; Former mining boom states bereft as GST goes south; Contractor Nash set to buy Minjar gold for $13.6m; Financial wizards feel the heat

A federal goods and services advisory body has recommended a $311 million cut in Western Australia's shares of GST revenue for the 2010 financial year.

Western Australia Labor Senator Glenn Sterle has confirmed he has "annoyed the living daylights" out of Alannah MacTiernan in his bid to persuade the state Labor MP to move to federal politics.

Australia's export earnings from energy and mineral resources increased by 9 per cent to a record $47 billion in the 2008 December quarter, according to lastest statistics from ABARE.

The state government has appointed Perth-based Robinson Buildtech to complete the forward works as part of the $56 million redevelopment of the Kalgoorlie Hospital.