Government

Payroll tax changes will save Western Australia’s largest employers around $230 million next financial year, according to state government budget papers.

A move to extend the price cap for apartments eligible for stamp duty rebate is expected to cost the state government $33 million, as part of a $750 million package to boost housing.

The McGowan government’s seventh annual budget features a $3.3 billion surplus, with households and businesses to benefit from $566 million in energy bill credits and modest payroll tax relief.

The federal budget has been broadly welcomed by the business community but some worry it doesn't go far enough to boost productivity and investment.

The rent assistance limit has been increased to help more than one million Australian households, which is expected to cost the federal government $2.7 billion over five years.

Jim Chalmers says his budget won't fan inflation and lead to more interest rate rises but some leading economic experts are not convinced.

Households struggling with the cost of living will get some support in the federal budget but the threat of inflation will keep handouts contained.

The state has dropped charges against a physiotherapist who was accused of involvement in WA's biggest public sector corruption scandal.

The former state treasurer has labelled policies that make housing more affordable as politically unpopular.

Western Australia's auditor general has highlighted concerns over the state government's $580 million spending during the pandemic, with millions of rapid antigen tests remaining unused.

Young workers are set to receive about $6000 extra in their superannuation balance on retirement after changes to how their payments are made.

The state government will invest $511 million to tackle the housing crisis as part of the upcoming Western Australian budget, including building 700 new homes.

State and territory leaders have agreed on changes to health systems, the NDIS and other areas at the latest national cabinet meeting.

Graham Hill will join the State Solicitor's Office next month after being Legal Aid Western Australia chief executive and director for the past five years.

The state government has announced a $420 million budget commitment to boost mental health initiatives, including an upgrade of Graylands Hospital in Mount Claremont.

Support for constitutional change is firming in business and political circles despite hesitancy in some quarters to take a stance on the issue.

Western Australia’s resources industry has smashed another annual record, with weaker iron ore prices made up for by the state’s flourishing lithium sector and soaring oil and gas prices.

A declassified version of a major defence review has recommended Australia shift its focus to long-range missiles and onshore ammunition manufacturing.

Western Australia will add 130 locally-built electric buses to its fleet and upgrade key depots, with help from the federal government.

The City of Perth has been forced to close the car park underneath the Perth Concert Hall until Wednesday over safety concerns.

ANALYSIS: Philip Lowe says changes proposed in the RBA review will have a "marginal" impact on the economy, but crucially, the panel has reaffirmed the bank's inflation target.

The state government has launched a strategic review of Gold Corporation, which operates the Perth Mint, with a sale of the business one option.

Troubles for Modco Residential highlight some big issues in the building industry.

Libby Mettam has slammed Western Power for slowing down housing developments following a blowout in the waiting time for grid connections.

Woodside Energy chief executive Meg O'Neill says the company backs an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, while also taking aim at a 'vocal minority' accused of trying to shut down the oil and gas industry.

Shifting further to the right will be electorally disastrous for the Liberal Party.

Assistant Trade Minister Tim Ayres has used a speech at a business forum to outline the strengths of Australia's economic relationship with the Solomon Islands.

ANALYSIS: The Australia Institute seems to have had a change of heart about inflation, but can’t quite admit it.

Janet Reah holds no regrets about calling for the ANF to strike over the objections of the state's industrial relations watchdog, despite the union now facing fines worth a cumulative $27 million.

Ken Wyatt has resigned from the Liberal Party after federal MPs resolved to support a ‘no’ vote at the upcoming Voice referendum.

A plan to build a green steel recycling mill in Collie has been boosted by $2.7 million from the state government for feasibility work.

The Perth Mint has kept its spot on the London Bullion Market Association’s ‘good delivery' list following an investigation launched into the organisation's historical conduct.