Government

As an economist I have closely studied the rise and rise of China for a number of years, but it was not until I set foot on Chinese soil that I truly understood the enormity of what’s occurring in this rapidly developing country.

Phil Doyle is well versed in the problems facing growing businesses and the issues and pressures faced by owners ill-equipped to deal with them.

Some key power brokers in both major political parties have apparently been heard using the term ‘new chums’.

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.

Four Perth businessmen are hoping to revolutionise the way consumers shop, turning what used to be an afternoon at a busy shopping centre into a quick search with the click of a mouse.

Winemakers are bracing for an increase in taxes after the federal government took its first steps towards fighting binge drinking with the imposition of an additional levy on the ready-to-drink sector of the market.

Global facility services management group ISS has bought Western Australian mine site accommodation services provider, South Perth-based Topic Caterers, in an effort to further expand its reach in the resources sector.

At a time where increasing numbers of Western Australian companies are discovering the market value of corporate social responsibility, even more are beginning to unearth the integrity of their employees’ social conscience, according to St James Ethics

Aquila denies project tied to Cape Preston port deal; Fortescue loads first ore ship at Hedland; Tardy FIRB clears $505m Indonesian-Chinese bid for Herald; Bad debts take puff out fo St Georges; RBA warns Swan on spending as rates on hold

A new processing centre for 457 business visas will be established in Perth, and employers with good performance records will have their visa applications fast-tracked, under changes to the temporary skilled migration program.

Financial services major Commonwealth Bank is to remain the Western Australian Government's sole supplier of transaction banking and related services, representing about $45 billion a year in transactions.

Big banks cut cash needs as loans slip; Centro scheme costs staff $265m; Tanner confirms budget on track; QBE to extend deadline; Fong, Birney floats on verge of ASX listing

Think tank the Committee for Perth has made two key appointments to its high-powered board - adding business leader John Langoulant and major accounting player Jeff Dowling - as it embarks on its first major steps to improve the city's amenity.

A new $35million purpose-built submarine maintenance facility at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) will bring in millions of dollars to the State over the next 25 years.

National logistics giant Toll Group has bought Herdsman-based Courier Australia, taking 100 per cent of the Western Australian company which has been operating for almost 50 years.

Western Australian companies Quickstep Holding Ltd and Vortex Pipes Ltd have announced a joint venture to develop and market a new generation of high end pressure pipes, featuring improved strength and corrosion resistance.

A sponsorship agreement between Western Power and Curtin University of Technology will aim to improve skill shortages within the power industry.

Embattled state opposition leader Troy Buswell used a pre-planned address to a business lunch today to outline his policy agenda, which includes proposals for state-funded paid parental leave, a state energy strategy and improved approvals for projects.

Perth based company Amcom Telecommunications Ltd has announced a forecast 30 per cent increase in net profit for the financial year, in comparison to its 2007 result.

Industry groups and the state government have welcomed the announcement of a $1 billion plan to transform Perth Airport by integrating the domestic and international terminals and building a new terminal dedicated to regional air services.

Western Australia has experienced the highest rise in building trade prices around the nation, with costs rising 15.3 per cent in the past year.

The eastern end of Perth's CBD will undergo a massive transformation, with housing for 5,846 residents and commercial space for 1,704 workers as part of a projected $880million investment by the State Government and private sector.

British in $13bn raid on Origin; The $1bn plan for new Perth airport; RBA glimpses victory on credit front; Investors dump RCR as it warns of profit slump; Ex-AWB bosses fight handover of ASIC files

A mid-year fall in the number of new dwellings bought by first homebuyers was one of the first signs of a softening in Western Australia’s housing market in 2007.

Interest rates, labour shortages, material costs and compliance issues are affecting WA's housing industry, yet it's the issue of housing affordability that is front of mind for builders, as Emily Piesse reports.

NATIONAL Native Title Council chairman Brian Wyatt said last week’s Noongar Native Title decision demonstrated the deficiencies and unworkability of the Native Title Act.

The ructions that have stirred up international financial markets this year and cast a pall over the global economic outlook would, you might think, make investors and business operators cautious.

Petrol prices in Western Australia and around the nation hit record highs last week and further increases are widely anticipated.

Australian exploration companies are renowned for pursuing opportunities in all corners of the globe, seeking out regions that will give them a competitive edge.

Homebuilders in Western Australia are facing rising input costs, created by a shortage of skilled labour and increased regulatory compliance.

Well, it’s happened – Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has begun using that ‘M’ word, proof positive he’s heading down a well-worn road.

Progressive CEOs and a more receptive workforce are helping shape a new phenomenon within Western Australian business, according to the state’s peak body for volunteering.