Opinion

Given a choice when buying a commodity, such as bread or milk, the overwhelming consideration for most shoppers is price.

Whenever possible, State Scene highlights the bountiful benefits of democracy over its horrific totalitarian alternatives, most especially European fascism, Russian and Oriental bolshevism, and now Middle Eastern Islamic jihadism.

Last week’s Diggers & Dealers bash left the 1,200 delegates and countless hangers-on, including a healthy contingent of media types, in no doubt that this boom has legs to go an awful long way.

The economic boom we are currently enjoying in Western Australia has wise old heads reflecting on the 1960s.

South-west Liberal MP Troy Buswell, who some see as a likely future Liberal leader, recently fired a broadside across Labor’s bow by naming several of its MPs with close union links in a press release.

Oil at $US60 a barrel is a pain for motorists, producing petrol prices of $1.20 a litre and more.

Intangible assets they may be, but there’s no doubting the value brands bring to those who operate in the commercial world.

Earlier this year the Liberals launched a national publication called Looking Forward. Since it attracted a degree of publicity in political circles, State Scene resolved to get a copy to assess the standard of its articles

With Prime Minister John Howard adopting so many core Labor Party policies, it’s no longer possible to perceive any differences that may exist between Liberal and Labor.

While I would be the last person to agree to the construction of a nuclear power plant in my backyard, I can understand that this form of energy may play a vital role in our future.

The world of iron ore has taken a few peculiar turns in recent weeks – some good, some bad, and some distinctly odd.

A couple of weeks ago I discussed my belief in the importance of holidays and, while open to the need for choice, my concerns about the practice of cashing in leave.

Long-time readers of this column will have noted that Canberra’s ongoing drive to gain ever-greater control over the affairs of the states isn’t a trend welcomed by State Scene.

The biggest guessing game on the Australian stock market today is whether we are, or are not, in a ‘super-cycle’, a prolonged period of rising commodity prices.

I am glad to see the debate about liquor regulation start up again.

Australia has had 25 prime ministers.

For reasons never clear to me, the University of WA’s history department avoided focusing on military history.

It’s probably a good time to weigh into the debate about annual leave provision with a few thoughts about holidays, which I believe are an integral part of work.

As federal Education Minister Brendan Nelson attempts to gain even greater control over Western Australia’s tertiary education sector, thereby satisfying his Canberra-based bureaucrats’ thirst for greater control, our state politicians sit about looking b

I’m always fascinated how the pendulum finds its natural balance in politics.

If you’re not in the mood for a touch of gloom, then go and read something else, because this week Briefcase is in a black mood.

Superannuation choice is upon us, and there is a lot of talk of the cost to business in this change.

Last week, State Scene highlighted several little-discussed trends within the once powerful and highly successful state Liberal Party, which today is steadily sliding towards electoral irrelevance.

Finding value in a market where property has peaked and interest rates might creep a little higher is a dilemma for all investors.

It’s a tough life at the top of business at the best of times. It’s even tougher when things aren’t going well and pesky journalists keep asking well-informed questions.

Press council dismisses complaint against WA Business News report

Since State Scene recently highlighted the state Labor Party’s dismal electoral performances – measured by the number of primary votes Labor gained in the 1989, 1993, 1996, 2001 and 2005 state elections – in the interest of balance perhaps it’s time the L

Brance office syndrome, the inferiority complex that rears its head every few years in Western Australia, is overdue for a return if stock exchange pecking order is a guide.

I was reading an obituary this week about Jack ‘River’ Murray, a legendary Fremantle footballer from the 1940s and 1950s.