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A 3.1 per cent contraction of Western Australia’s economy is anticipated in the 2021 financial year, following a 5 per cent fall in the current quarter, but Treasurer Ben Wyatt is more optimistic about the pace of recovery than he was two months ago.

The Reserve Bank boss has given his backing to the prime minister's post-COVID economic reform agenda, saying change is needed to help businesses expand, invest, innovate and hire people.

At Moore Australia, we understand local government’s unique challenges and opportunities and we want to work with you to help you service your local communities to meet your objectives.

Veris’s technology and communications business has secured new work with BHP and Oz Minerals, as well as a contract with Cubic Defence Australia, totalling $4.3 million.

Emeco Holdings’ recently acquired subsidiary Pit N Portal has secured two contracts with Mincor Resources for work on its nickel operations in Western Australia.

South West businesses are advising visitors to adjust their expectations ahead of the long weekend.

Oilex has signed a binding agreement with ASX-listed Armour Energy for the sale of its interests in the Cooper-Eromanga Basin in Queensland.

Optus says the full-year net profit delivered to its Singaporean parent company Singtel dropped 39 per cent to $402 million as more customers opted for SIM-only phone plans and data price competition intensified.

Australia's big four banks are enjoying another surge in early trade on the ASX, and the main indices are more than 1.5 per cent higher.

Threat to gas market in China trade spat

Oil futures tumbled overnight after US President Donald Trump said he was working on a strong response to China's proposed security law in Hong Kong and as some traders doubted Russia's commitment to deep production cuts.

Gold fell overnight to its lowest price in two weeks as the easing of coronavirus restrictions around the world fed optimism that the global economy could rebound.

The Federal Court in Perth has approved the appointment of interim receivers to the property of Chris Marco, who the corporate watchdog has accused of running a large Ponzi scheme that is deeply in the red.

The Australian share market has been unable to extend its rally into a third day, fading in the late afternoon to close marginally lower despite a stupendous rally by the banking sector.

Melbourne-based Stephen Targett has become chair-elect of banking group Police & Nurses, after Paul Gabb announced he would retire at the company’s AGM in November 2020.

The state government has set up an advisory group, with executives from more than 20 businesses and community groups, to provide advice on the impacts of COVID-19 and measures to help economic recovery.

The Western Force has accepted an offer from Rugby Australia to participate in a proposed one-off domestic competition this year.

The environmental watchdog has recommended approval for the development of an $85 million gold-copper project in Ravensthorpe, wholly owned by ACH Global’s mining business.

The state government will implement a number of procurement changes for goods and services contracts in a bid to help Western Australian businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

Rox Resources, Kingston Resources and Core Lithium have received commitments to raise a combined $20.6 million under share placements, with part of the proceeds to go towards the companies' gold and lithium projects.

Claire Orange remembers twice needing to rethink her methods across her 25 years spent treating children’s mental wellbeing.

Vitamin producer Blackmores has announced an equity raising of up to $117 million to strengthen its balance sheet during the coronavirus crisis, but executive director Marcus Blackmore won't be participating.

OPINION: Business strategies are finding a place in schools to help bring about meaningful and long-lasting improvement.

In the midst of crucial contract negotiations with the state government, St John Ambulance WA chief executive Michelle Fyfe spoke to Business News about the group’s diversification strategy, lessons learned from COVID-19, and her career.

A conciliatory premier Mark McGowan has conceded he did not have the full picture yesterday when he criticised the federal government’s handling of the live sheep carrier that entered Fremantle harbour with sick crew members.

National Australia Bank has more than doubled the size of its share purchase plan offer after strong demand from its retail shareholders.

Shares have fallen by more than 1.0 per cent in early trade on the Australian market, and health stocks have slumped the most.

Qld and WA to miss out on students

Oil prices rose overnight, supported by signs that producers are following through on commitments to cut supplies and as fuel demand picks up with coronavirus restrictions easing.

Gold fell by more than 1 per cent overnight as major economies further eased coronavirus-linked restrictions, fuelling hopes for economic recovery and bolstering risk appetite.

The Australian share market has enjoyed its best day in seven weeks, outperforming its Asian peers amid optimism over a gradually reopening of the world economy.

Six crew members aboard a live export ship that arrived in Fremantle last week have tested positive to COVID-19, despite being cleared by a federal department, Premier Mark McGowan said.