As Prime Minister Julia Gillard struts the world stage emphasising the virtues of the Australian economy, there are signs back home not all is going well.
US stocks have closed mostly lower after the Federal Reserve extended its bond-swapping program, known as Operation Twist, for six months to help boost the flagging economy.
Perth-based car dealer network Automotive Holdings Group has moved to strengthen its Victorian presence, snapping up a Melbourne-based Ford dealer for $2 million.
The housing industry is reeling after national homebuilding starts dropped below global financial crisis levels, falling 12.6 per cent in the March quarter.
The Australian share market finished slightly higher as cautious investors await any action by the US central bank to stimulate the faltering American economy.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has warned of "further stumbles" in the global economy, but says Group of 20 leaders have made good progress toward restoring growth and stabilising European banks.
Greens MLA Giz Watson has applauded a move by the state's Mining Warden's Court to reject three bauxite exploration licenses in the tourist-haven southwest region.
Rio Tinto and its partners have agreed to spend $US5.2 billion expanding their massive iron ore operations in the Pilbara, with Rio saying the demand outlook is positve and that competing supp
Embattled miner Atlantic has confirmed it is in discussions with the state government regarding a deferred payment of royalties for its Windimurra vanadium project in the Mid West.
People hoping for some relief from the carbon tax debate after the pollution price begins in 10 days shouldn't hold their breath, Climate Change Minister Greg Combet says.
Grange Resources is seeking to sell a 30 per cent stake in its $2.57 billion Southdown iron ore project near Albany, and has appointed Deutsche Bank to assist with the process.
OAKAJEE Port and Rail and other sponsors are keen to grow opportunities for indigenous artists in the Mid West by building on the success of the Good Heart Mid West Aboriginal Art Exhibition.
PLANS for hotel developments in Busselton and Albany could hinge on the application of state government incentives, announced last year to assist hotel investment in Western Australia.
APTS managing director Paul Newbound describes himself as a typical technician who decided to go into business.“I thought I knew how to run a business, but I didn't,” he admits.
It may seem cliched and hackneyed to sceptical consumers, but many of this year's top entrepreneurs genuinely believe that quality service is the key to their business success.
Apartment developer Finbar Group has upgraded its profit forecast for the 2012 financial year by nearly $4 million, on the back of strong performances at its 18 on Plain and Fairlanes developments.
The second man to set foot on the moon, Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, is scheduled to touch down in Perth today for the official opening of the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum.
