The state government's parlous budget position received a small boost today, with Western Australia in line to receive $225 million more in GST revenue next financial year than had previously been estimated.
SPECIAL REPORT: Our annual analysis of the state's movers and shakers shows that sometimes the best examples of influence are demonstrated not by what change an influencer starts, but rather what they can stop.
Batteries and solar panels will be rolled out at 60 locations on the edge of the state's electricity grid throughout the Wheatbelt and Goldfields as part of a plan to improve reliability and cut capital costs across the Western Power network.
A move that could dramatically reduce power bills for Perth residents is on the backburner, despite a similar process taking place in other parts of the state, so the government can appease unions, according to shadow energy minister Dean Nalder.
Opinion: The opposition leader has broken publicly with many of his colleagues to question the ongoing sustainability of the Royalties for Regions program.
The state government has completed its analysis of potential sale options of the TAB wagering business, with a two-phase consultation process with the racing industry now set to take place to determine a final outcome.
Changes to the accounting treatment of leases to be introduced next year could pose problems for the state government's financial boffins, bringing numerous contracts onto agency balance sheets, including potentially $1.3 billion worth in the case of power generator Synergy.
A joint venture between a subsidiary of Carnegie Clean Energy and contractor Lendlease has won $6.8 million of work to install and operate a renewable powered microgrid in the Mid West town of Kalbarri.
The state government has opened up the Pilbara electricity market to greater competition after privately-owned Alinta Energy applied last year to gain access to state-owned Horizon Power's network.
The end of the mining construction boom continues to cause economic pain for Western Australia but strong employment growth paints a very positive future, according to Treasurer Ben Wyatt.
To a large degree, Labor's big budget repair plans have stalled, while newcomers on both sides of the aisle find their way around their house on the hill.
Treasurer Ben Wyatt has warned businesses using labour hire companies to confirm they have met their payroll tax obligations, after a number of local operators fell victim to a scam.
The state government has revised its budget deficit for the current financial year to a record $2.6 billion but insists the budget outlook has improved while also confirming it has added Landgate to its list of potential asset sales.
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SPECIAL REPORT: Data from the annual BNiQ Search Engine biggest employers list suggests an economic recovery is under way as mining and civil contractors boost their workforce numbers.
Byrnecut executive chairman Steve Coughlan has slammed the state government's decision to crack down on payroll tax exemptions, saying his company will no longer receive the exemption for courses being undertaken by 1,200 employees.
A further reshuffling of state government departments appears likely after Treasurer Ben Wyatt released the government's service priority review today.
The opposition parties in Perth and Canberra are kicking the can down the road on debt, despite the parlous state of their respective budgetary positions.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA has criticised the state government's crackdown on payroll tax exemption for employees earning more than $100,000 announced today.
Treasurer Ben Wyatt says the state government will drop its proposal for a gold royalty hike after a revised plan was blocked in the Legislative Council last night.
TransAlta officially opened its new 150-megawatt combined cycle natural gas power station in South Hedland today, with Horizon Power as its sole foundation customer after Fortescue Metals Group backed out of an offtake agreement.
Treasurer Ben Wyatt has announced details of a new gold royalty increase that is budgeted to raise $332 million over four years while seeking to address the industry concerns that killed off his previous proposal, but the new plan has failed to win support.
A local power generator majority owned by Rod Jones's Hoperidge Capital has refinanced its bank debt through a $44 million bond issue which the company believes will give it more flexibility, including the potential to pursue a 100-megawatt solar farm.
Horizon Power will roll out a $7.1 million distributed energy pilot project in Carnarvon, while the state government has unveiled a trial to incentivise demand management by users during peak periods in Broome.
Treasurer Ben Wyatt has kept open the possibility of a bank tax in Western Australia, after South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill today quietly dropped his state's planned tax on the five biggest financial institutions.
Synergy intends to develop up to 280 megawatts of renewable energy projects in WA by 2020 after the McGowan government approved plans for a private investor to acquire a majority stake in its existing wind farm and solar farm and in two new projects.
Western Australia has retained its AA+ credit rating with a negative outlook, S&P Global Ratings confirmed today, as revenue remained a risk to the rating in the future.
Sydney-based energy provider Origin Energy will launch in the Western Australian retail gas market today, 10 months after Business News revealed the company would be the fourth business to supply domestic gas in the state.
Western Australian Energy Minister Ben Wyatt has opened the door for a potential state-based renewables target after the federal government confirmed a major change in energy policy today.
Premier Mark McGowan says the Liberal Party has been grossly irresponsible by voting to block the gold royalty hike and is urging them to reverse the decision.
Outgoing Synergy chairman Lyndon Rowe said today he was disappointed he could not continue at the energy utility after the state government announced oil and gas executive Rob Cole would take the role.
Treasurer Ben Wyatt has lashed the opposition for not backing the proposed gold royalty hike, which is now set to fail in parliament, claiming the Liberal Party has opposed more than $1 billion in budget repair measures.
The premier has dismissed claims that almost 3,000 jobs would be lost under the state government's planned gold royalty hike, after a report claimed that five existing mines were at risk of closing if the royalty was enacted.
The state government and the Kariyarra people have signed an agreement that will enable existing and future expansion of Port Hedland's port and development of residential land in South Hedland.
The Australian Securities Exchange has asked the Chamber of Minerals & Energy of Western Australia to retract a statement claiming the ASX could force listed gold miners to suspend trading in their shares because of the planned increased in WA's gold royalty.
About 1,300 jobs will be lost because of the state government's proposed increases to payroll tax, according to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA.
Treasurer Ben Wyatt has signalled he won't be bullied by the gold mining industry, which is opposing royalty rate hikes that were unveiled in the state budget.
The state government has budgeted for a $169 million stamp duty windfall from a single ‘property' transaction, the latest in a string of large deals that have boosted its coffers.
Western Australia's net debt is set for further big increases over the next three years before coming down slightly once the government's budget returns to surplus in 2020-21.
