Government

THREE major national retailers have announced the opening of new Western Australian stores in the face of a downturn in the retail market.

Public private partnerships aren’t as prevalent in Western Australia as in other states.

THE ASX 200 Index is currently trading with a trailing price to earnings ratio of less than eight times historical earnings, while consensus estimates for the 2009 financial year earnings place the index on a forward multiple of 10.

THE $174 million infrastructure upgrade at the Australian Marine Complex has passed a major milestone with the arrival of a $60 million floating dock at the Henderson shipbuilding precinct on schedule.

WESFARMERS has announced that finance director Gene Tilbrook will retire in the first half of 2009 after 23 years of service with the company.

THE chief executives of many of Western Australia's largest companies enjoyed substantial increases in guaranteed base income during the past financial year.

Australasian Property Investments is going ahead with the development of Scarborough's first high-rise development after an amendment removing height restrictions received ministerial approval, while plans for high-rise apartments are underway in Cotteslo

HOW much is too much when it comes to executive remuneration, especially bonuses and termination payments? This is the vexing question that's challenging the investment community more than ever before, as the market slide makes it a widespread issue rathe

WESTERN Australia's food producers have a long-held reputation for disease-free quality that has ensured ongoing demand from overseas.

Public private partnerships aren’t as prevalent in Western Australia as in other states.

ENVIRONMENTAL performance bonds may be emerging as the latest source of angst for junior explorers and local miners, as tougher banking regimes and rising costs create a new hurdle to business in the minerals sector.

THE controversy over the federal government's proposed industrial relations reforms made me think back to the mid 1980s when people like Charles Copeman led a bruising battle to free up Australian workplaces.

IT was quite fitting that the chairman of state tourism body Australia's North West, Ian Laurance, was awarded the industry's top individual honour last week, an award named after one of his earliest mentors.

WESFARMERS has announced that finance director Gene Tilbrook will retire in the first half of 2009 after 23 years of service with the company.

REAL estate agency, Realmark, believes that breaking away from a national franchise and rebranding have helped it weather the downturn in the property market.

A Senate inquiry into the Varanus Island gas crisis has split on party lines, with coalition senators calling for a judicial inquiry after the majority Labor members concluded the Carpenter government's reponse was adequate.

Planning Minister John Day is urging all users of Perth's coastline to have a say on the draft Perth Coastal Planning Strategy.

The state government has over-ruled the Esperance Port Authority, ordering it to continue bulk nickel concentrate shipments next year, while also approving the export of lead stockpiled at the port.

BankWest has held back on a full rate cut, with the Perth-headquartered lender cutting its standard variable rate by 85 basis points.

The state government has lived up to an election promise to boost funding for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, announcing today that it would provide an extra $29.9 million from its Royalties for Regions scheme.

The National Australia Bank is urging Western Australian business owners to not become complacent about the future after a survey found 87 per cent of owners did not have a business plan.

The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies has appointed Simon Bennison as chief executive, taking over from Justin Walawski.

A National Broadband Network can be delivered by more competitive usage of existing cable, copper and wireless technology platforms, plus a rollout of fibre according to local conditions, according to a new report.

Qantas, British Airways plot $8bn merger; US officially in recession; Wesfarmers re-jigs as Tilbrook steps down; Barnett betting on Browse to anchor Kimberley LNG hub; Venture giants pull plug on clean-coal plan

The central bank's rate cuts may be welcome news for first home buyers but more needs to be done to entice other buyers into the market, a Western Australian builders group says.

Investors have reacted negatively to the Reserve Bank's 100 basis point rate cut, with a benchmark index taking a hit shortly after the rate reduction was announced.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia and the National Australia Bank have been swift in their response to the central bank's 100 basis point cut, passing on the full reduction to their customers.

A significant export earner for Western Australia in the 19th century is set to re-emerge with the launch of a plan to develop the state's sandalwood tree farming industry.

Wesfarmers finance director Gene Tilbrook has decided to step down from the company after 23 years of service, with Terry Bowen appointed as his replacement.

Business backlash over 'dangerous' union era; Rio Tinto may put brakes on Pilbara spending; China slump heightens export fears; OZ extends trade halt on debt fear; Stand-off looms after Barnett backs Esperance nickel exports

The workload in the state's commercial building sector remains strong, but there is growing concern that many projects may be postponed or cancelled due to global uncertainty, a survey has found.

Privately-held IMC Resources has broken its silence on events surrounding Atlas Iron's shareholder meeting, disputing claims that it swayed stakeholders to vote against the re-election of chairman David Nixon.