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ABOUT 45 per cent of Australian businesses have been affected by fraud in the past two years, according to the 2008 KPMG Fraud Survey.

HOPES of Perth throwing off its Dullsville tag once and for all have been dashed with the government's belt-tightening and its shift in priorities for key infrastructure projects.

A COUPLE of Western Australian geothermal energy companies are hoping to make their mark on expanding clean energy markets thanks to some locally developed technology.

MINING entrepreneur Terry Streeter has continued his aggressive sell down in Western Areas during a busy week involving a takeover and court action.

INCREASING demand for student housing has prompted a number of Perth universities to commit to expanding their on-campus accommodation.

A LOT has changed in the past year,the skilled labour shortage has all but gone and unemployment is at 5.2 per cent.

SPECULATION over the status of Finbar's mixed-use development on the former Fairlanes Bowling site has been put to rest after the developer this week launched an off-the-plan sales campaign for the residential component.

A UNIQUE partnership between Shenton Park-based Dreamfit Foundation and Wesfarmers is enabling the two organisations to meet their respective staffing and recruitment goals.

INITIAL understanding of coal seam methane (CSM) was as a dangerous by-product of underground coal mining.

Ninniku Jip offers Asian fusion the whole family can enjoy amid the thriving strip in East Victoria Park, as Jashuan Dias discovered.

STRAITS Resources says it is well placed for acquisition opportunities after selling a stake in its coal assets to Thailand's PTT International Company for $US335 million ($A486 million).

Keith Spence has moved on after more than three decades at Woodside, but he retains fond memories of his time at the oil and gas giant.

Colin Barnett has shuffled priority infrastructure projects in lieu of the fading economy, but will the changes made now secure WA's future or lead to further reprioritisation?

The premier is big on rhetoric but lacks a clear plan for infrastructure.

THE Royalties for Regions scheme couldn't have come at a better time for the state's rural areas, with the list of infrastructure projects being developed helping cushion the regions from the worst of the economic downturn.

Tangible, genuine action is needed to engage and motivate staff so the best results are achieved for all parties.

Shadow Treasurer Ben Wyatt has today expressed concerns that the abolition of the State Supply Commission will have an adverse effect on small businesses.

Peak gas industry groups have urged government backing for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry to achieve its economic and environmental potential.

Nickel company Australian Mines has negotiated a capital raising deal with Patersons Securities which will pave the way for the stock to be relisted after trading was halted six months ago.

The WA Local Government Association has urged its members to press ahead with reform plans, after the state government said it would not legislate to force mergers of local councils.

Federal Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr has officially launched a new centre to give Western Australia's manufacturing companies practical help in improving day to day business.

Former Woodside Petroleum executive Erica Smyth will take over the chairmanship of uranium developer Toro Energy, after the resignation of founding chairman Dr Ian Gould.

The $1.8 million Karara iron ore project has joined with Central West TAFE in Geraldton to launch a partnership for education, vocational training and skills development to bring new employment opportunities to the region.

Westpac has pipped BankWest as the bank having the most satisfied customers in Western Australia, a survey by financial ratings service Canstar Cannex has found.

Tolhurst Group has unveiled that its stockbroking business will be sold for some $2 million to Patersons Securities, in what is a dramatic fall on the value of the deal after it was revealed earlier this year.

Wall St villains now saviours; Iron ore miners warned of slow China recovery; Walsh offers little comfort to juniors on access to railway; States split on federal debt deal; Commodities rally in big price rout

Dominion Mining chairman Peter Joseph has sold over $8 million worth of shares, reducing his stake in the gold miner by 14 per cent.

The state education department says it will not meet its 3 per cent budget cuts amid an influx of new students, teacher shortages and a forecast deficit of $50 million.

The state opposition has urged the government to get its priorities right after Premier Colin Barnett admitted to axing the $1.3 billion Pilbara power project in favour of the $4 billion Oakajee port and rail development.

Rio Tinto iron ore chief Sam Walsh says the miner is focused on securing regulatory approval for its $US19.5 billion Chinalco deal while a prominent analyst has tipped iron ore prices to fall 50 per cent.

The state government expects to save some $1 million each year by merging the State Supply Commission into the Department of Treasury and Finance.

Deloitte has urged the federal government to adopt recent changes to US business policies that could throw a cash lifeline to struggling businesses during the current economic climate.