Government

State and federal budgets provide some welcome, but unexpected, outcomes.

As the state rushes to commit to a port at Oakajee, it would do well to heed the warnings of previous infrastructure arrangements.

RESIDENTIAL property developers and builders were big winners from state and federal budget initiatives, which will provide much-needed stimulus to the property industry.

CCIWA says the state deserved more from the federal budget, despite ports securing millions in funding.

Access to state government ministers seems reserved for a special few.

THERE weren't too many winners to emerge from the gloomy economic backdrop surrounding last week's federal and state budgets, but the small business sector has more to be pleased about than most.

If we are to have a carbon tax, it's important we get it right – first time.

THERE is growing speculation that some grain traders are considering establishing their own port-based grain loading facilities to take advantage of the deregulated export environment and challenge the monopoly of grains handler CBH.

LAST week, the Baltic Dry index, which is a benchmark measure for freight costs of bulk commodities including iron ore, coal and grains, rose 22.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA has thrown its support behind Treasurer Troy Buswell's wariness over plans to align occupational health and safety rules across all states.

Four Perth office buildings have been awarded nearly $2 million in government grants for 'green' upgrades though Western Australia gained only five per cent of the total grants.

Iluka Resources has received final regulatory approval for its $420 million Jacinth-Ambrosia mineral sands project in South Australia, which allows mining to begin.

The state government has recommended that Western Australia's minimum wage be increased by $19.50 a week to better reflect the increased cost of living.

Property developer Aspen Group has unveiled plans for a fully underwritten capital raising of more than $82 million, which will be used to "secure an enhanced senior debt facility".

TFS Corporation has formed a joint venture company with a United Arab Emirates investment firm, which will spruik investment in 200 hectares of new sandalwood plantations annually.

The state government has reiterated its concerns about elements of the proposed national Occupational Health and Safety Regime, saying it will be inferior to Western Australia's existing regime.

Reassuring news about housing and banking on Monday convinced investors to return to the US stockmarket.

Perth-based design director for Cox Howlett and Bailey Woodland, Steve Woodland, has today been appointed as the state's new government architect.

Gindlabie Metals says the timing of its Karara iron ore project will not be affected following the state budget's omission of an upgrade for the Perth to Geraldton transmission line.

Daylight saving should not be considered for another 20 years in Western Australia, Premier Colin Barnett says.

Babcock & Brown Power, owner of Alinta's retail assets, will realise $125 million from the release of an "onerous" contract but has revised down its operational earnings from $310 million to $270 million.

Treasurer Troy Buswell has again defended the government's decision to not release the State Infrastructure Strategy, saying its framewok needs to be revisited.

WA's peak energy user group, DomGas Alliance, says the federal government's white paper into energy security is "flawed" as it focuses on maximising exports rather than domestic energy use.

Finnish global consulting and engineering group Pöyry Energy has acquired local oil and gas engineering services company Aquarius International Consultants.

Melbourne-based SKILLED Group, as part of a joint venture, has won a $350 million, three-year marine vessel and labour supply contract for Chevron's Gorgon gas project.

Western Australia has retained its AAA credit rating after Standard and Poor's confirmed yesterday that the Barnett government's move to reprioritise some of its capital projects and revise its operating expenditure, meant that the state's financial posit

$750 power bill rise; Payroll rebate in WA to 'save jobs'; Leighton earnings slide; Rio plunges on rights talk; Turnbull blows smoke at bluff

The government has committed to a $23.8 billion capital works program over the next four years - an increase on the $18.5 billion spent over the past four years - with a record $8.3 billion to be spent in 2009-10.

Major infrastructure projects Oakajee port and the Northbridge link have been left out of this year's state budget, despite receiving federal budget allocations this week.

The state budget will deliver $123 million tax relief, mainly in payroll and land tax, as part of measures to support business and jobs.

Western Australia's Liberal government has handed down its first budget, delivering a $647 million surplus but warning the state will be in deficit by 2012.

An $80 million federal budget allocation to boost the state's chances of hosting the $2.5 billion Square Kilometre Array project has raised questions from the existing project's headquarters.