Latest Headlines

Success against virus boosts rare earths

Oil ended slightly higher overnight but remained below the session's early highs of above $US40 a barrel, the highest since March, retreating as doubts emerged about the timing and scale of a potential extension to the pact between OPEC and its allies to cut crude supplies.

Gold fell more than 2 per cent overnight as risk sentiment improved on hopes of a faster recovery from a coronavirus-driven economic slump, with investors largely overlooking civil unrest in the United States.

Racing and Wagering Western Australia chief executive Richard Burt has resigned to take up a new role running the diversified business interests of RWWA director Bob Fowler.

More than 200,000 jobs could be lost in the charities sector nationwide if financial supports, including JobKeeper, end in October, a new report has found.

The Australian share market has rallied to its highest level since March 6, with gains across nearly every sector on a wave of optimism about Australia's economic prospects.

Broadspectrum has secured a $117 million contract for work on maritime facilities along the Western Australian coast, as part of a wider state government initiative to support small businesses.

The federal government has refused an exemption to its live export ban that would have allowed 56,000 sheep to be transported to the Middle East, and they will now be sent to abattoirs in Western Australia.

Aboriginal-owned business Mallard Deemy has secured $11 million in contracts with Fortescue Metals Group for work at the Eliwana iron ore mine in the Pilbara.

Upgrades to the emergency department at Peel Health Campus will resume later this month, with the works awarded to Canning Vale-based contractor Devlyn Construction.

Subiaco-based Perseus Mining is set to gain control of a potential new gold project near its Sissingue mine after announcing a friendly takeover bid for Exore Resources in a scrip deal worth around $60 million.

DevelopmentWA has announced plans to expand an industrial estate in Perth’s northern corridor, putting several lots on the market.

The 2020 Perth Festival has proved to be the most successful in the event's history, with $5.98 million earned at the box office, despite some programming cancelled due to COVID-19 and lower audience numbers.

Shipbuilder Austal has appointed chief operating officer Patrick Gregg to lead the company next year, replacing current chief executive David Singleton, whose contract is due to end in December.

OPINION: Trade threats from China are forcing a rethink for WA’s exporters and the McGowan government.

The business community has supported front-line charities during the pandemic, but the economic downturn may change this.

Western Australia's internal economy grew 0.9 per cent in the March quarter even as Australia as a whole contracted 0.3 per cent, but those numbers mostly predate the economic impact of the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Shares on the Australian stock market have crept almost 1.0 per cent higher ahead of keenly anticipated economic growth data.

Sick workers control Brazil’s iron ore output

Oil prices climbed by more than $US1 a barrel overnight on hopes that major crude producers will agree to extend output cuts during a video conference expected to be held this week and as countries begin to reopen after coronavirus lockdowns.

Gold retreated 1 per cent overnight as investors booked profits and Wall Street rallied on optimism over economies emerging from coronavirus-led shutdowns.

BGC Australia has reported a net loss of $107 million on revenue of $974 million in the year to June 2019, as the group continues its major restructure.

A ban on live exports in 2011 has been ruled invalid by the Federal Court, following a long-running dispute between 300 producers and former agriculture minister Joe Ludwig.

Rio Tinto has committed to review its indigenous heritage approach and its plans in the Juukan area, near the Brockman mine, after the destruction of an ancient rock cave provoked national outrage; while community representatives have described their efforts leading up to the blast.

Are litigation funders a danger to the Australian economy or an important pillar that improves access to justice?

Perth law firms say flexible working arrangements will be more common after their experience of the past two months.

There has been a significant re-ranking of law firms in Perth over the past year, while the sector is also adapting to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions.

The Australian share market has closed up slightly in a mixed performance as traders digested a raft of economic news.

Bain Capital and Cyrus Capital Partners are the preferred bidders to acquire Virgin Australia, Deloitte announced this afternoon.

The Australian minerals sector has experienced a 20 per cent drop in exploration spending over the March quarter, with industry groups calling for more government support.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the cash rate at a record low 0.25 per cent at its monthly board meeting as it assesses the extent of the coronavirus-driven economic downturn.

Adrian Fini-led FJM Property has unveiled plans to redevelop the Leederville Hotel and laneway into a multi-venue food, drink and entertainment precinct that will link with the new headquarters for Dale Alcock's ABN Group.