Andrew and Nicola Forrest are recognised as two of Western Australia's most prominent philanthropists, but recent developments in Canberra show their influence on social policy continues to spread.
It should be clear by now to Andrew Forrest that his campaign for a political inquiry into the iron ore industry has done the company he runs, Fortescue Metals Group, more harm than good – and might even have stirred up trouble for another local billionaire, Gina Rinehart.
The ‘iron ore wars' and budget battles are defining where power and influence lies in business and politics in WA. Read our latest Most Influential feature to see who is on the rise, whose influence is waning and who has dropped off the list.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has declared support for an inquiry into the iron ore industry, providing a huge boost for the campaign being waged by Fortescue Metals Group chairman Andrew Forrest against his two biggest competitors.
Premier Colin Barnett has rejected calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the iron ore industry, despite repeating his criticism of the major producers.
Andrew Forrest's private vehicle, Minderoo Group, has subscribed for a majority of A1 Consolidated Gold's recently announced $2.5 million convertible loan placement.
Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton have highlighted their competitive advantage in the iron ore market, with BHP predicting further large reductions in its operating costs in the Pilbara and Rio detailing the big price discount Fortescue Metals Group has to accept for its products.
Mining industry groups in Perth and Canberra have come out today in favour of free markets in the iron ore industry, after Fortescue Metals Group chairman Andrew Forrest criticised the actions of heavywights Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton.
Andrew Forrest's worst nightmare is that he will one day relive his painful experience with pioneering low-grade nickel ore processor Anaconda Nickel; so surely he must have suffered an ‘Anaconda moment' when the iron ore price fell below $US50 a tonne overnight.
Andrew Forrest and Gina Rinehart will need to wait a while for their dairy investments to deliver a return, according to a recent analysis of the sector.
Amid the gloom, WA has some positive resources stories to tell,with uranium developers buoyed by improving news, investment certainty guaranteed around royalties rates - for now - and nickel reappearing as a sturdy performer.
It might be bold to suggest that Andrew Forrest consider a career change, but as his fortune shrinks and as his iron ore business struggles in a flooded market, there is a nickel deal to be done that could be a lot more fun than playing the role of fading star.
Demand for Western Australian agricultural property assets is expected to run hot throughout 2015, with offshore buyers not expected to be deterred by new rules for foreign investment in farmland.
The Wirrpanda Foundation, which is one of nine Western Australian groups pioneering a new indigenous training and employment program in the state, has put contractors who over promise and under deliver on notice.
Fortescue Metals Group surprised investors earlier today with a better-than-expected December quarter production report, but that should not stop speculation that it could be a key player in Western Australia's deal of the decade.
Iron ore miner Fortescue Metals Group has recruited the former vice-president of global procurement at oil giant ExxonMobil to its board of directors, as it seeks to lift the efficiency of its business.
The international stage has helped this year's local business and political leaders stand out from the pack – including our Person of the Year, Richard Goyder.
Small iron ore miners operating in a $70/t environment are struggling, but in a different way so are the majors battling to satisfy investor expectations.
Australia's free trade agreement with China is likely to deliver significant benefits to agricultural exporters but the gains will be mainly indirect and apparent over the longer term, a report by Rabobank has concluded.
Andrew and Nicola Forrest's Minderoo Group has recruited finance executive Aaron Hood to take charge of its expanding commercial investment activities.
It's not easy to feel sympathy for Perth's super-rich as they watch their fortunes shrink, but the problems of Gina Rinehart, Andrew Forrest, Kerry Stokes, Angela Bennett and Stan Perron are a powerful pointer to the problems facing everyone in Western Australia.
Andrew Forrest has reiterated his support for Fortescue Metals Group diversifying its operations into other commodities, but said there were no immediate plans to pursue nickel, or oil and gas over its core iron ore business.
Money is moving out of iron ore but where it goes next is the more interesting question, because it seems that some investors are developing a taste for agriculture – a shift that might prove to be a case of leaving the frying pan to land in the fire.
Andrew and Nicola Forrest's Minderoo Foundation is pushing for a Western Australian early learning centre to become the template for a national strategy.
Fortescue Metals Group has extended its partnership with hockey world champions the Kookaburras for another two years, providing support in the build-up to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The appointment of investment banker Michael Ashforth as manager of the Bennett family's $1.5 billion fortune highlights the maturing of Western Australia's private wealth market.
FEATURE: Biotech and IT companies are enjoying renewed investor interest, but these innovative businesses are facing a changing capital raising market featuring less government support and, in Perth, a drastic shift in the venture capital sector.
