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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Growing stamp duty bills on residential properties are impeding Australian home buyers' ability to enter the housing market, according to a new report.
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.
High debt levels, the global economic downturn and BHP Billiton's decision to pull its takeover proposal have prompted credit ratings agency Fitch Ratings to remove Rio Tinto from its 'rating watch positive' list.
The state government is seeking public comment on a new rail-based transport connection in Kwinana to alleviate heavy vehicles using main roads between Fremantle and Forrestfield.
