Government

US failure shocks markets; Reserve poised to cut rates; Emissions deal 'crucial' to economic future; China could be dragged down; NAB unveils $400m hit as global markets dive

Brokerage Hartleys has upgraded its rating for Ausdrill Ltd to Buy after Macmahon Holdings Ltd allowed its takeover bid to lapse.

Metals dive as recession fears defy Wall St bailout; Banks warned on loan exposure; Centro gets reprieve; Garnaut has bush answer to climate; Hardie 'misleading' on compo

An opportunity to participate in the construction of a $100 million radio telescope to complement the $2 billion-plus Square Kilometre Array project has officially opened.

Former Arc Energy Ltd chief operating officer Marie Malaxos has been elected as the president of the Petroleum Club of Western Australia, replacing Derrick O'Keefe.

Gold miner St Barbara Ltd has signed a $20 million agreement with lender GE Commercial Finance to fund ongoing development at its Gwalia mine in Western Australia.

Western Australia has formally lost its bid to host a multi-billion dollar liquefied natural gas plant, with Japanese company Inpex Ltd today announcing Darwin as its preferred site.

Western Australian Labor MP Ben Wyatt, touted as a future party leader, has been chosen to take on Treasurer Troy Buswell in the state's new parliament.

Found: Firepower chief in London, denies hiding; Double gas trouble as Inpex quits WA and oil tax is passed; Monetary shot 'a necessity'; Rio faces strike as train drivers fire up test case; Timber firms plan writs over Varanus gas crisis

Treasurer Troy Buswell has announed the newly elected government will need to reign in excessive spending growth, inherited from the previous Labor government, following the release of the Annual Report on State Finances (ARSF) this afternoon.

The Australian dollar finished marginally firmer today after US President George W Bush's comments the US economy was "in danger" sparked a US currency sell-off.

ANZ Banking Group Ltd chief executive Mike Smith says Australian banks are looking very strong, despite the current financial market turmoil.

Western Australia's residential market has been hit with the biggest drop in new homes sales in the country, according to a survey from the HIA.

State hit by $731m blowout: Buswell; 'Morale' cash quietens builders; Only 'faint glimmer' WA will retain Inpex gas project, says Barnett; Strike move sees NW union revival; Turbulence forces Qantas to delay $2bn float

THREE Perth entrepreneurs have established a $40 million venture capital fund to invest in new technologies.

IT took less than 18 months for the state government's shared equity scheme - a lifeline for the first homebuyer market - to exhaust its three-year, $300 million budget.

THE next stop for the Australian All Ordinaries Index now looks likely to be 4,300 points, which will be a 61.

Two brothers this year celebrate five decades in business. Barry and Terry Crommelin tell their stories to Adam Orlando. WHEN you can persuade Colin Barnett to attend your business anniversary celebration during what has been a hectic time in politics,

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

THE formal swearing-in this week of the Barnett ministry marks the start of what should be an exciting period of government in Western Australia, though there will be no shortage of tough challenges.

Calling the bottom of the market is fraught with danger for real estate agents and developers, but many in the industry are hopeful that the tide is beginning to turn.

SUSTAINABILITY and affordability are beginning to drive innovation in the use of building materials in Western Australia's housing industry, with more developers using imported and lightweight products.

THE gas crisis caused by a pipeline rupture at Varanus Island has left a bitter legacy for many Western Australian businesses, which have been scathing of the former state government's reaction.

WESTERN Australia's long-term outlook remains bright, despite the upheaval on global financial markets, with labour shortages continuing to be one of the biggest challenges.

URBAN infill was a key policy of the Carpenter government, outlined in the 'Network City' plan for a series of transit-oriented, high-density developments in Perth.

IT'S difficult when assessing elections not to immediately reach for statistics - size of swings, percentage of preferences gained by parties, levels of various majorities, and other such measures that help assess how well or how badly parties and candida

NEW Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore is under no illusions about where his focus will have to be as he returns to the position he held in the previous Liberal government - the approvals process for mining and exploration.

Major independent Western Australian winemaker Stella Bella has raised rural property rights as a key issue in a battle with the Augusta-Margaret River Shire over a diversion road that could cut through one of its vineyards.

THERE are many things likely to change following the recent state election, not just as a result of a new government but also due to the circumstances in which it took power.

DESPITE tightening global credit markets, property analysts remain optimistic that the residential sector in Western Australia is headed for a growth phase in the near future.

WESTERN Australia's iron ore miners have called on the newly elected state government to deliver on an election promise to provide a more efficient approvals process for new mine and exploration licences.

A streamlined and efficient public service is what new treasurer Troy Buswell wants to see.