Opinion

Misplaced loyalty can prove costly in politics, and it seems state Labor has finally woken up to the fact when it comes to relations with the federal government.

Governments are prone to change their minds, but it’s often the consumers who pay the price.

A cooperative approach is vital to remove uncertainty from negotiations over the proposed mining tax.

The Aussie dollar may be enjoying rare strength against world currencies, but beware the downside.

Skilled labour shortages will continue to have an impact on the state’s future growth and development prospects, especially in the minerals and energy industry.

The cost of state-funded health care is simply unsustainable. We need a new model.

The planned merger of the Australian and Singapore stock exchanges highlights a global trend to which Perth businesses need to adapt.

The growing influence of the Greens must be sending shivers through Labor ranks.

Being seen to be tough on crime was an assured vote winner in the past, but recent setbacks to the government’s stop and search powers have shifted the debate.

The real gem in the prime minister’s economic reform speech was her commentary on social media.

Inaction on fuel self-sufficiency poses a threat to our way of life, and sustenance.

The piecemeal wage and salary fixing mechanism for public sector workers is a political issue that won’t go away, as inaction by both sides of politics demonstrates.

Artificial market manipulation most often leads to blowback, thanks to the immutable laws of supply and demand.

Rather than something to be feared by business, social media presents a wealth of opportunities.

How would the performance of our political leaders rate if Australia was a business?

Unrealistic expectations plague our society, from the market to the political realm.

A likely ministerial reshuffle later this year would enable the state government to lift its focus on infrastructure.

A recent meeting of the world’s elite figures heard an interesting pitch on climate change.

Post-election indications that Julia Gillard is prepared to look at population needs on a state-by-state basis are good news for WA, where skilled workers are needed.

It seems the BRICs aren’t in as strong a position as many would have hoped.

Who should serve on our boards, and what composition of supervising directors can ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself?

Colin Barnett has a job on his hands to balance public expectations with the realities of a growing economy, particularly with regard to household prices.

The MRRT will alter the face of the mining sector.

Australia must support manufacturing to ensure the nation does not become overly reliant on the resources sector.

Having assumed a spoiler’s role in the economic debate, retailers act in no-one’s interests but their own.

The Reserve Bank has offered borrowers a small reprieve from higher interest rates but there are bigger issues to worry about.

The push for renewable energy could put nuclear power back in the frame.

The common ties that bind Australia and India should be remembered as India suffers a Commonwealth Games PR nightmare.

The rising value of the Australian dollar is a game changer for many businesses in the west.

The time has come to celebrate the achievements of businesses, not burden them with paperwork.

Despite major hikes to household expenses, Colin Barnett’s first two years as premier of WA have put the government in a secure position.

The protracted sell-off of Alinta may be a glimpse into the future for Telstra.