Latest Headlines

Oil has settled slightly higher, although rising supply from US shale output limits enthusiasm about an OPEC-led effort to cut global output.

Perth-based private utility Water West has received Economic Regulation Authority approval to roll out water recycling at a new land development near Pinjarra.

Saracen Mineral Holdings has entered into an agreement to purchase the Bundarra gold project from Bligh Resources in an all-scrip deal worth $8.5 million.

The Australian share market has lost earlier gains to close lower amid a sell-off in the healthcare sector and weakness from Asian markets.

Environmental services companies could be among the beneficiaries of an ongoing shift in China's economy from manufacturing to services, according to University of Western Australia lecturer Yanrui Wu.

Tight economic conditions have led the volunteering sector to adapt its practices as demand for services continues to grow.

Life sciences company eSense-Lab has enjoyed steady gains on its first day of trading on the ASX, after raising $3.5 million from investors in an initial public offering.

Indigenous contractor Guma ICRG has won two contract extensions for work on Fortescue Metals Group's rail line and roads infrastructure in the Pilbara for an undisclosed sum.

OPINION: Despite some widely publicised problems in the past year, Woolworths is emerging stronger in the supermarket face-off with major rival, Coles.

Incoming Wesfarmers managing director Rob Scott, who will formally take his new job late this year, says the business will continue to thrive on the back of its diversity across markets.

A commercial property across the road from Westfield Carousel has sold for $1.6 million, as developers continue to seek sites around the City of Canning's planned new town centre.

The Nationals WA have preferenced the Greens ahead of their Liberal alliance partners on the ticket for two upper house regions in next month's state election, including Liberal Agriculture & Food Minister Mark Lewis.

KordaMentha managing partner Cliff Rocke has taken on a new role, joining the Perth office of the advisory firm that is handling the collapse of residential construction group Builton.

Woodside Petroleum executive vice-president Lawrie Tremaine is jumping ship to become Origin Energy's new chief financial officer.

NRW Holdings is set to receive a $110 million contract if Altura Mining moves ahead with plans to develop its Pilgangoora lithium project.

The Australia share market is heading towards the key 5,800 mark, thanks to strong investor demand for resource, healthcare and financial stocks after Wall Street hit record highs.

Wesfarmers managing director Richard Goyder will step down this year after more than 12 years in charge of the company to be replaced by his deputy, Rob Scott.

Welfare cuts or taxes will fund NDISA threat by the Turnbull government to tie billions in welfare cuts to funding for the National Disability Insurance Support

The Australian dollar is lower against its US counterpart which has risen against a basket of currencies on re-ignited hopes of a US Federal Reserve interest rate rise.

Oil has fallen by about 2 per cent, the most since mid January, as a stronger dollar and signs of rising US crude output pressured prices while an OPEC report showing high compliance with last year's production-cut deal underwhelmed investors.

Gold prices have slipped as the US dollar rises and global equities climb, but political and economic uncertainties in the United States and Europe are expected to provide support for now.

Previously secret documents regarding the planning of the Perth Freight Link were yesterday released by Main Roads after a recent order by the Information Commissioner, according to Labor North Metropolitan region candidate Alannah MacTiernan.

The Taylor Road IGA in Nedlands has won the accolade of best independent supermarket in the world, sharing the title with another IGA from South Australia.

A currency depreciation and weak market conditions for resources companies have driven net profit after tax down by 42.9 per cent at Henderson-based contractor Civmec.

Specialist oil and gas advisory firm Miro Advisors is planning to wind down its operations, a little more than six years after managing director Tim Woodall opened the business.

Seven West Media has secured an interim injunction against chief executive Tim Worner's former lover as it seeks to stop her releasing what it says are confidential documents she should not possess.

Property industry bodies have entered the state election fray, with both the Urban Development Institute of Australia and the Property Council of Australia lobbying for stamp duty concessions and planning reform to boost housing affordability.

Disruptive technologies continue to gain traction in the property market, with more than 400 Western Australian agents expected to use online advertising portal HumblAbode by the middle of this year, while a Perth-based firm is taking a software platform designed to simplify back-office transactions to the ASX.

Metals X spin-off Westgold Resources has entered into a toll processing agreement with Canadian company RNC Minerals that comes with an option to sell its South Kalgoorlie operations for $80 million in cash and shares.

Litigation funder IMF Bentham has launched a $US200 million investment vehicle to expand its business in the US.

Some encouraging company earnings reports, a positive lead from US markets and higher commodity prices have helped lift the Australian share market by about 0.7 per cent to its best close in a month.

ANALYSIS: Full marks to the Labor Party for coming up with its debt reduction strategy early in the election campaign. It indicates both the party and shadow treasurer Ben Wyatt are serious about getting the state's finances into a much healthier position.