Education

Murdoch University has partnered with a Perth company which plans to use cannabis as a medicinal product, a day after scientists from the University of Western Australia said cannabis use could damage a person’s DNA.

SPECIAL REPORT: Wealthy Western Australians have made some eye-popping philanthropic pledges over the years but none as large as one of Gina Rinehart’s recent moves.

SPECIAL REPORT: Activ Foundation and the Royal Flying Doctor Service are Western Australia’s two largest not-for-profit charities, yet they have very different approaches to philanthropy and fundraising.

PHOTO ESSAY: With our special report into Universities in next week’s paper, Business News has taken the opportunity to speak to some recent and soon to be university graduates about what looms ahead as they make the big transition into the workforce.

The long-standing head of major private school Aquinas College, Mark Sawle, is taking something of sea change to become principal of a regional independent school.

SPECIAL REPORT: The people who lead Western Australia’s universities agree the sector faces enormous change, with emerging technology and potential new entrants among the biggest challenges.

SPECIAL REPORT: The opening last month of a WA-backed college in China, and the visit this week by a high-powered WA delegation to Indonesia, highlight the state’s renewed focus on the multi-billion dollar international education market.

Balcatta-based PS Structures has won a $28.5 million contract for expansion work at Churchlands Senior High School, which is suffering from capacity constraints.

Curtin University expects to start building up to 1,400 new student accommodation beds at its Bentley Campus by the middle of next year, after officially putting out the call for development partners for the first phase of its Greater Curtin vision today.

SPECIAL REPORT: The state government is pursuing major reforms to the training sector, at a time when national data on traineeships and apprenticeships tells a surprising story for WA.

Local company FIRM Construction has won a $15.1 million contract for work on the second stage of Joseph Banks Secondary College in Banksia Grove.

Young medical entrepreneur Michael Winlo has returned from New York with plans to expand a unique clinical testing business in Nedlands.

Two of WA’s most successful charity events raised a total of $4.6 million this month, but not all fundraisers are achieving similar results

The state government has awarded building and construction contracts to a number of local businesses, including Perkins Builders, with the combined value of the contracts worth about $37.3 million.

Perth-based law firm Jackson McDonald has honoured a former partner by funding an emerging cancer researcher as part of a record $4 million in grants announced by the Cancer Council WA today.

The annual reports of WA’s four public universities reveal wide variations in their income streams and financial performance.

The state government has revealed the new leadership structure of the five Tafe colleges that will be administering 70 campuses as part of a reform project.

Australia's fledgling medicinal cannabis market continues to gain momentum, with MGC Pharmaceuticals planning an entry.

Education provider Navitas has reaffirmed its full-year $163 million earnings guidance after reporting flat overall student enrolment numbers for the first semester of the year.

AS contributions to science go, the Busselton Health Study is among Western Australia’s most significant offerings.

Political leaders would do well to read a recent UWA report, which targets unsustainable expenditure and plots a prudent economic pathway.

Medibank Private has hired Craig Drummond, an experienced banker who helped transform National Australia Bank, to run Australia's biggest private health provider.

Shares in TW Holdings slumped sharply today after it announced a backdoor listing of medical cannabis company AusCann Group Holdings, the second deal of this type involving members of the Washer family.

The University of Western Australia will proceed with its renewal program, including the consolidation of eight faculties into four, after a previously announced move to reduce staff was halted by industrial action.

John van Bockxmeer has been named a 40under40 finalist for his commitment to creating healthier WA communities. He has also been recognised with the Inspiring Possibilities award. 

It appears Water Corporation employees know the value of precious liquid more than most, with the government-owned entity recording the most blood donations of any Western Australian organisation for a fifth year in a row.

Private health insurers will increase their premiums by more than 5 per cent within weeks after winning approval from Health Minister Sussan Ley.

Medical marijuana company MMJ Phytotech has tapped investors for a $5 million capital raising to fund its entry into the Australian market.

A recent participant in Fortescue Metals Group’s VTEC program has notched up another notable achievement, having slipped into the role of ‘chief executive for a day’ as part of the miner’s unique approach to creating opportunities for Aboriginal people.

A private company backed by Curtin University has announced a breakthrough in the treatment of several cancers in small animals, with trials set to commence in humans and dogs. 

The future of a not-for-profit drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre considered among the strictest in Australia is in doubt due to a planning dispute.

Profit has soared at Australia's biggest private health insurer Medibank Private, thanks to premium rises and a crackdown on improper health insurance claims.