Government

As much as $440 million in surpluses generated by member contributions to the Gold State Super pension fund could have been moved out of government reach under a $9 billion mutualisation plan halted by treasurer Eric Ripper last week.

A NEW inter-departmental group has been formed by the state government to address the shortage of sand for building and construction work in the South West.

Drought in much of the country and rising commodity prices will ratchet up the pressure on the state's food manufacturing industry, the WA Business News forum heard.

A Perth sustainability expert believes the potential business opportunities created under an emissions trading scheme (ETS) would outweigh the risk of crippling Australia's economy.

Taking over one of Perth's most popular eateries in the middle of the economic boom is among the biggest challenges Albasio La Pegna, the man who brought Funtastico to Subiaco, can recall during his 25-year career.

The Western Australian food manufacturing industry is at a crossroads, with rising costs and a changing retail marketplace threatening the sector's future viability. Janelle Macri reports.

Briefcase would like to take this opportunity to set the scene for the 2009 financial year.

Are we living in a state of secrecy? I've always taken the optimistic view that governments in Western Australia generally want to be open and transparent.

Although boutiques such as Tiffany's and Gucci have descended on King Street, the inner-city strip is about a lot more than gold, glitter and luxury.

Many business people in Perth hanker for the days when Sir Charles Court ran the state with forceful conviction and a single-minded focus on development.

Changing diets in the world's emerging economies and global food security issues could potentially present the local food industry with a wealth of opportunities.

Working in the legal profession can be an unforgiving lifestyle for those at the top, especially when it comes to spending time with family, but it's a reality Ken Jagger has turned into a business opportunity.

Clough appoints Spence CLOUGH Ltd has appointed former Woodside Petroleum Ltd executive Keith Spence as an independent non-executive director.

The food-manufacturing sector requires urgent action from government if it is to remain viable in the future, according to industry representatives at the WA Business News forum.

Research and treatment of Alzheimer's disease is due to get a boost on two fronts, with a new charitable foundation to be launched this month and a second foundation commencing a $10 million fund raising campaign.

For Perth's hotel operators, the current market is something of a mixed blessing.

Trade Opportunities: 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.

Perth engineering company Macmahon Holdings Ltd has formed a new Aboriginal contracting business as it decides whether to extend its takeover offer period for Ausdrill Ltd.

The Liberal party has today released a blueprint for a state energy policy focusing on the gas sector while the Chamber of Commerce and Industry said any such policy needed to be fully costed to ensure the best outcome is achieved.

Perth-based IT services provider ASG Group Ltd has forecast a 44 per cent increase in earnings for the 2008 financial year on the back of securing a number of government and corporate contracts.

Financing of Moly Mines Ltd's $1.1 billion Spinifex Ridge project has been given a boost after the environment minister today gave the go ahead for the project to proceed.

West Perth-based Universal Resources Ltd has mandated the Royal Bank of Scotland and ABN AMRO in London to arrange a $US30 million bridging finance facility for the development of its Roseby copper project.

Former Woodside Petroleum Ltd director and State Training Council chairman Keith Spence has been appointed as a non-executive director at Clough Ltd.

Engineering company Neptune Marine Services Ltd is set to capitalise on the $40 billion European subsea market following its acquisition of Aberdeen-based Subsea Engineering Services Ltd.

GRD Ltd has promoted Malcolm Brown to chief executive at its subsidiary GRD Minproc, while continued growth has boosted its order book to $4.65 billion.

Resources slump leads market carnage; Palmer planning $5b float; Eastwood set to call time after 45 years; US regulators clear BHP Rio bid, now for Europe; CBH looks to double share of exports

The federal government's review of Chinese investment in Australia has denied Perth-based Prosperity Resources Ltd of $4.5 million that it would have received from Shougang Holding.

Visiting WA John Howard Tribute Dinner The Liberal Party of Western Australia is to hold a tribute dinner for John Howard on July 8 at the Hyatt Grand Ballroom.

Fifteen years after establishing Perth's first internet service provider, iiNet boss Michael Malone retains a disarming honesty and humour that is rarely found in chief executives.

Kitcraft Kitchens began in a small showroom and assembly area in Wangara in 1999 and in seven years has grown to eight locations throughout the state, with all manufacturing and assembly done in-house.

With Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in danger of being dubbed 'Media Stunt Kev' due to his obsessive releasing of pie-in-the-sky plans, it's encouraging that one of his ministers has his feet firmly on the ground and a clear vision of how things should be acro

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.