Latest Headlines

The approval rating of the state government by small and medium enterprises has fallen, making it the second lowest ranked state or territory government across Australia, a business survey has revealed today.

Subiaco-based Capital Intelligence Ltd plans to raise $2 million through a share placement, with funds to be used for working capital and expansion strategies.

Neptune Marine Services Ltd has downgraded its net profit after tax expectations to between $10 and $12 million before non-cash adjustments, for the year ended June 30, 2008.

The state government has increased the prize money for the Premier's Science Awards, making them the richest of their kind in the country.

The state government will increase funding to the private sector for apprenticeship training to $57 million, on top of the existing $20 million already available to private providers of traineeships.

Perth-based diversified resources company RMA Energy Ltd has discovered a new high-grade tin/copper mineralisation zone at a key Queensland project.

A new $360 million wastewater infrastructure project is set to underpin the future development of Perth's burgeoning northern corridor.

The disruption to state gas supplies following the Varanus Island gas explosion has prompted the state opposition and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA to renew their calls for the development of a comprehensive state energy policy.

Action on corporate collapses; Bankwest says it's safe despite sale rumours; Brierty sticks with same line as exchange steps up pressure; Metcash profit leaps but warns on volatility; Suncorp takes a $15m punt on WA's sunshine

An explosion at Varanus Island, a majr gas processing facility off the Pilbara coast, is expected to disrupt gas supplies to the Western Australian market for "a number of days".

Exploration company TNG Ltd disclosed today that it faces a $2.1 million claim from the Commonwealth of Australia over a 10-year old dispute involving Kanowna Lights NL.

South Perth based bamboo flooring company Style Ltd has appointed Peter Torreele as chief executive officer effective immediately.

Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland experienced the highest salary increase in Australia, a survey has found.

Vmoto has raised $7 million through a share placement, with funds to be used to complete the acquisition of CSR Motorcycles in Spain, as well as to finalise payment for Stage 1 of its manufacturing facility in Nanjing, China.

Herald Resources Ltd Directors have supported a revised $2.60 to $2.65 cash offer from Tango Mining Pte Ltd, which values the company at almost $524 million.

Grains producers are in a strong position to expand production and boost productivity because of recent capital investments in land, plant and machinery, according to a new ABARE report.

Shell shoots $776m at Arrow's coal gas; Swan boosts banking safeguards; Metcash's chief takes aim at pricing; MacTiernan assures on Oakajee port; Centro secures breathing space

Joe Gutnick's sister Pnina Feldman looks to be setting herself for a second ASX listing this year, with her company Australian Gemstone House Ltd lodging notice of a prospectus to raise $30 million.

Private equity manager, Ironbridge Capital, has acquired three specialist drilling businesses valued at $200 million that operate in the high growth mining and infrastructure services sectors.

Professor Ian Constable AO was the recipient of the inaugural Sir Charles Court Inspiring Leadership Award at the 2008 Western Australian Citizen of the Year Awards presentation last night.

Midwest Corporation Ltd has told shareholders their response to competing takeover proposals from Murchison Metals Ltd and Sintosteel will depend on whether they have a short-term or long-term investment horizon.

Platinum Australia Ltd have raised $31.8 million through a private placement to acquire an additional 10.75 per cent stake in its Smokey Hills platinum project.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia has appeared before the Full Bench of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission in pursuit of a new modern and flexible industrial awards system.

Nedlands based Portman Ltd has again denied speculation it will bid to takeover Golden West Resources Ltd, despite applying for approval to increase its interest in Golden West from 14.9 to 19.9 per cent.

The merger of Lihir Gold Ltd and Equigold NL has been approved by Equigold shareholders.

Chinese steel maker Sinosteel Corporation has declared its $1.36 billion takeover offer for iron ore miner Midwest Corporation Ltd unconditional.

Mining giant BHP Billiton Ltd has signed up YMCA of Perth Inc to develop a childcare strategy for the Pilbara, the centre of its iron ore operations.

ANZ's $350m to settle Opes; Tycoon bets $120m on Mid-West union; Nickel miner Sally Malay in play, says MD; Well heeled jump into revamped Repcol; Brierty downgrades fuel litigation threat

An ambitious $6 billion dollar development proposed for Rous Head in Fremantle has attracted a mixed response from Western Australia's sustainability experts.

The state government is believed to have split its master media contract, which governs all government advertising, between three agencies.

Perth based Montezuma Mining Company Ltd will acquire an 85 per cent interest in a mining lease owned by Grange Resources, which contains the Durack gold deposit.

A delegation of leading Australian solar companies, including Welshpool based Solco Ltd, have taken their concerns about the Rudd Government's means test on the Solar PV (photovoltaic) Rebate Program directly to Environment Minister Peter Garrett, Shadow