Government

SOME time during our schooling we learned how the six British colonies on the island continent Matthew Flinders named Australia formed a federated Commonwealth.

The Western Australian Trade Enquiry Service is operated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA with the support of the WA Government's Department of Industry and Resources.

WORKERS have been given greater flexibility to resolve workplace disputes through mediation with new legislation proclaimed this week by the state government.

We're really excited. There is so much on offer in Melbourne. You've got the spring racing carnival, F1 racing, the Australian Open, not to mention all the bands and live music.

THE state government says it will wait for an indication of federal funding for the $1.

KEITH Spence has been awarded the North West Shelf Gas and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia WA Gas Industry Development Award for 2008.

FORMER IT executive and one-time cheese maker, Mark Lane, was named Australian Winemaker of the Year at the recent Winestate annual wine awards.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The home building sector will not gain the full benefit of falling interest rates and a tripling of grants for first home buyers unless more land is released, a new report says.

Growing stamp duty bills on residential properties are impeding Australian home buyers' ability to enter the housing market, according to a new report.

PM's $3.5bn for states to fire economy; More is better - bets are on for a big rate cut; Jilted suitor Cooper hits at Texan's play; Two banks baulk at B&B rescue; OZ says deal can be saved

Telstra has labeled rival Optus' national broadband network bid 'sub-prime' after calling into question an alleged $8 billion funding hole.

AWB seeks merger with grain rival; States to get extra $7.7bn for hospitals; Reality check for BHP; Babcock locked in $3.1bn debt restructure talks; Toll mounts as India reels from attacks

A group of the state's big gas users have called on government to adopt a fiscal incentive package that will encourage domestic gas supply and take away the current focus on exports.