Latest Headlines

Home loan approvals in Western Australia bucked the national trend in September increasing 5.5 per cent compared to the national figure of 1.3 per cent.

Gindalbie Metals says it may produce its first iron ore earlier than its targeted date of mid-2011 and is set to reap strong margins for the bulk commodity.

The state government says a significant milestone has been reached with the completion of the 200th regional home for government employees funded under the Royalties for Regional scheme.

Premier Colin Barnett says he has received an assurance from Royal Dutch Shell that it will not sell down its remaining 24 per cent stake in Woodside Petroleum for the foreseeable future.

Murchison Metals has dismissed reports that joint venture partner Mitsubishi Development wants to pull out of building the $4 billion Oakajee iron ore port and moved to address concerns about the structuring of the project.

Shares in Austal closed up more than 15 per cent, after the shipbuilder agreed to changes to its US Navy contract to build 10 coastal warships.

Paladin Energy and Aquila Resources are at odds with climate change campaigners after the companies both rejected resolutions to discuss the issue at their AGMs.

A Chinese consortium trying to win support for a deal with iron ore developer Sphere Minerals claims that a majority of Sphere shareholders will reject an alternative takeover proposal from Xstrata.

Perth’s retail property sector is heading into a new era of extended trading hours, expanded centres and more sophisticated retail offerings.

AFTER a decade during which growth of major suburban shopping centres in Perth fell behind that of eastern states operations, new planning regulations have freed-up development investment and provided the impetus for a change in the way centres are develo

THE state’s retail industry is waiting to gauge the success of new retail trading hours that started this week.

MAIN street shopping locations and bulky goods centres are emerging as standout performers in the retail property sector, according to leasing agents.

JULIAN Walter might be best known in Western Australia for his building empire but his latest commercial initiative is the agriculture sector, where he wants to build a paddock-to-plate empire under the Cherylton brand.

BRIDGET van Herk’s dream of emulating worldwide brands like Estee Lauder and the Body Shop may be some way from becoming reality, but the chemist and founder of skincare retailer and manufacturer Bridget Black has no doubts about her business’s potential.

THE crucial role played by the Royal Flying Doctor Service across regional Western Australia has been boosted in recent years by an increased commitment from the corporate sector.

A yoga-inspired company in Dunsborough is realising its owners’ vision for sustainable living. Aimée Sargent reports.

The state government has failed to honour a key election promise made in 2008.

A cooperative approach is vital to remove uncertainty from negotiations over the proposed mining tax.

Interest rate increases are never welcome but the Reserve Bank’s track record needs to be respected.

Governments are prone to change their minds, but it’s often the consumers who pay the price.

Emotion needs to be taken out of the debate over a possible merger between the ASX and Singapore’s bourse.

Misplaced loyalty can prove costly in politics, and it seems state Labor has finally woken up to the fact when it comes to relations with the federal government.

MAIN Roads has awarded the first of seven new-style maintenance contracts as industry players finalise their pitch to win the remaining multi-million dollar deals.

A Chinese consortium led by Sin-Tang Development has foreshadowed a fully underwritten capital raising for iron ore developer Sphere Minerals as an alternative to Xstrata's $514 million takeover offer, which was increased today.

The Reserve Bank has lifted the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.75 per cent after expressing concern about the risk of inflation rising again over the medium term.

The head of Australia's competition watchdog has taken a veiled swipe at Australia's big banks, declaring "price signalling" in public statements was a growing concern and should be subject to more stringent policing powers.

West Perth-based Bass Metals has announced it has raised $3.55 million through a placement to European institutional investors.

INDUSTRIAL estates across the metropolitan area are evolving into highly specialised industry-specific precincts, with an increased focus on office space and general amenity, according to state government agency LandCorp.

WHEN Craig Mason bought a Sign A Rama franchise in 1999, there were only two stores in Western Australia and the brand was relatively unrecognised.

IT was 2007 when Hancock Prospecting chairman and director Gina Rinehart read a harrowing story about Cambodian prostitution and sex slavery.

Although it’s surrounded by the chaotic redevelopment of William Street, the Herdsman’s new city store has already made an impression. Aimée Sargent reports.

The growing influence of the Greens must be sending shivers through Labor ranks.