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THE resources sector has undergone a rapid change in circumstances with falling commodity prices, private investors on strike, and a tough attitude by banks.

Australia has managed to avoid the excesses so prevalent elsewhere.

The heat is on at Araluen THE award-winning Perth Chilli Festival will be held at Araluen Botanic Park this weekend, March 7-8.

WESTERN Australia's big private businesses hold surprisingly uniform views on most subjects, and that extends to the federal government's $52 billion in extra spending via two stimulus packages.

Investing in 2009 will be counterintuitive – something that does not happen in the way you would expect it to.

AS Australia's oldest family company, Lionel Samson & Son has successfully weathered many economic storms.

There seems to be a disconnect between the price of oil and petrol’s price at the bowser.

Advertising agencies are reviewing aspects of their business as the downturn bites.

STAYING close to customers is an important strategy to many of Western Australia's big private businesses.

The federal Liberals may feel they’ve done it tough lately, but things could get a whole lot worse

THE Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA has denied its pre-budget submission to the state government includes a hit list of agencies it wants split or privatised.

CHINESE company CITIC Pacific Mining is doing more than its fair share to counter the downturn in mining and construction jobs in Western Australia, announcing that the peak workforce on its Sino Iron project will peak at a larger than expected 4,000 peop

Four WA ex-banking executives have taken new roles in vastly different fields.

ECONOMISTS have described the central bank's decision to hold the official cash rate this week as a pause to the rate cutting cycle.

BOORAGOON-BASED recruitment firm Total Staffing Solutions has given a rare public insight into the challenges facing small and medium sized businesses trying to secure finance in the current market.

Thirty Western Australian mining services companies were in Indonesia last week for the annual Ozmine Conference, which aims to align Australian suppliers with the Indonesian mining industry, delivering positive results for those involved.

SHARES in Fortescue Metals Group fell as much as 14 per cent in trade as the miner called off its widely mooted $500 million capital raising to institutions.

This current down cycle is different from the others in terms of its speed and widespread impact.

The Western Australian Trade Enquiry Service is operated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA with the support of the WA government's Department of Industry and Resources.

COLES owner Wesfarmers Ltd has completed a retail stock offering, securing commitments totalling $1.8 billion from investors.After scaling back, Wesfarmers says it expects to raise around $1.7 billion

THE changing face of Perth's jazz music scene was highlighted this month by the approval of redevelopment plans for one historic venue coinciding with the opening of another.

Sales activity in the Perth CBD commercial market is gathering pace, as some real estate investment trusts look to sell assets and private investors scour for bargains.

CHEVRON says it is a step closer to commercialising its Wheatstone project after exploration of two natural gas fields showed there were enough resources to support a two-train development.

A Treasury official will help the state's police department to identify savings in line with the government's 3 per cent efficiency-based savings amid claims the Police Minister is not doing his job properly.

Telstra and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia have been named as the top brands in the country, according to a report released today.

Eight mining deals done in Western Australia have featured in the top 250 deals completed globally in 2008 as the value of transactions in the country fell 11 per cent.

Subiaco-based Graynic Metals will spend $US9 million ($A14 million) to earn a majority interest in several nickel projects in Cuba and Guatemala.

Mirabela Nickel has secured a $US150 million ($A238 million) facility from a consortium of lenders to fund development works at its Santa Rita nickel project in Brazil.

Shares in Catalpa Resources have jumped as high as 56 per cent as the company executes a $67.5 million project financing deal with Macquarie Bank and plans to launch a $30 million capital raising.

Expanded Gorgon cost to hit $50bn, Barnett claims; $34bn drop in key exports tipped; Companies face higher rates - ANZ; Financial gloom buys time for climate fight - Garnaut; Forrest land deal sparks row

Chinese company Sinosteel has formally become a substantial holder in Mid West iron ore miner Murchison Metals.

One of Western Australia's oldest brokers, Mortgage Force, has agreed to merge with Sydney-headquartered Smartline to create an entity with a loan portfolio worth more than $10 billion.