Opinion

As residential construction comes off a massive peak, there is an opportunity for a subtle policy response.

THE innovation and diversification of Californian businesses, and the rapid growth they have driven, hold valuable lessons for Western Australia's economic development, according to some of the state's leading policy minds.

This week we discuss the continuing weakness in commodity markets, and the local impacts from that, and the legal fallout from post-boom disputes, innovation and startups, Perron Group and residential home building.

The federal government seems to be preparing the public for reform with its semi-regular announcements from ministers that ‘everything is on the table', particularly since Malcolm Turnbull took the prime ministership from Tony Abbott.

Eight years in the making, tighter controls over lobbyists may finally become law.

Mining and debt have always been a deadly combination, especially for investors, but toss in a stiff dose of politics and you have a brew infinitely more volatile for everyone, including government.

This week REIWA members reported a significant decrease in the weekly sales to record 552 sales. The 19 per cent decrease in sales over the week is mainly attributed to a decrease in sales across house, unit and land sales of 20 per cent, 18 per cent and 16 per cent.

Canberra's aversion to pro-active, targeted spending on military hardware has diminished the nation's role in the region, and will do so in the future.

Economic developments in Indonesia, and more broadly across Asean member countries, represent a tremendous opportunity for WA.

Taking a patient, but thorough, approach to building your name and your brand takes dedication and determination.

A lack of vision from Perth planners of decades past has hamstrung efforts to get the most out of Perth's rail system.

Bell Group has been in the news recently, which is an apt reminder of the downside of debt, considering the state of play in the resources sector.

Does stable remuneration at the top of the field indicate the depth of our economic trough has been reached?

This week we discuss shopping centre expansion, the new landscape for city office tenants, iron ore prices and our major CEO salary review.

The inclusion of the family home in means testing for the age pension would be one of a number of ways to pare back a recent expansion of middle and upper class welfare, according to two recent reports.

The mid-December budget review will set the tone for state government spending cuts before the 2017 election.

At first glance there does not seem to be much connecting Gina Rinehart with Clive Palmer, but a closer look reveals a common thread … made of steel.

Western Australia has experienced a complete recovery in confidence following a year of damper sentiment, given strong optimism on household spending and long term economic conditions (up 32.2 per cent and 15.7 per cent respectively).

Colin Barnett's premiership will be judged on the capacity to pay down the debt accumulated on his watch.

A more rigorous approach to hiring the right kind of staff can pay dividends for your business and employees.

Innovation isn't just a buzzword drummed up by the new regime in Canberra.

A US court ruling concerning the controversial Simandou iron ore project in West Africa is a worry for Rio Tinto, but not WA.

Families that retain multi-generational wealth have a role in any economy as valuable as emerging entrepreneurs.

This week we discuss Hancock prospecting, Michael Chaney, recent developments in the Pilbara and Kwinana and look at Western Australian business dynasties including one property company that has marked 120 years.

When it comes to branding your business, it pays to find ways you can stand out from the competition.

The premier may be lining up for a second dig at local government reform.

It is one of the most overused quotes of all time, but if you look at the old and the new of Western Australia's mining industry it is impossible to avoid thinking about the first words in Charles Dickens' novel, A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”.

This week REIWA members reported a marginal increase in the weekly sales to record 637 sales from 632 sales last week.

The Barnett years will be remembered for many things, but economic responsibility is not among them.

Australia has a way to go if it is to match the prime minister's rhetoric on technology and innovation.

Australia's defence capability acquisition projects have a poor historical record in terms of cost and schedule, largely due to Canberra's failure to acknowledge and support reliable industry performance.

We have to focus on liveability and flexibility in order to broaden our economy.