Opinion

Christian Porter was Premier Colin Barnett’s heir-apparent when he announced in mid 2013 that he intended to quit WA politics for the federal arena. He clearly had bigger fish to fry.

Australian Apartment Advocacy founder Sam Reece explores the initiatives needed to protect apartment owners from risks such as defective buildings.

The absence of federal political leaders on the WA campaign trail speaks volumes about the current state of play.

Getting serious about climate change means shifting positions on the role of nuclear power.

In their weekly podcast Mark Pownall and Mark Beyer discuss election campaigning, mining ranking slips, Beament picks copper, Turnbull joins FMG, BGC, Rio Tinto, our oil and gas special report, and what is great for our state?

The varying aspects of Australia’s pandemic response provide an opportunity to examine policy settings.

The fall-off in trade to the Middle East is a concern for WA sheep farmers.

In their weekly podcast Mark Pownall and Mark Beyer discuss Facebook ban, Wesfarmers lithium, Crown Resorts, iron ore profits, FMG departures, Pilbara supply pressures, Zak Kirkup, and John Worsfold.

Cheap money can’t last forever, and many are unprepared for the day interest rates head upwards.

The Mannkal Economic Education Foundation has launched Project WA, which sets out a free-market microeconomic agenda for the next state government.

The strong likelihood of a returned McGowan government isn’t enough to ensure it can gain a majority in the upper house.

A blend of multiple intelligences will make the difference between us having good lives and great ones.

Many of Western Australia’s small businesses carried a high degree of optimism into 2021, according to findings from the new 2020 BCEC Small Business Survey.

The new US administration is expected to take a more traditional role in its dealings with allies.

In their weekly podcast Mark Pownall and Mark Beyer discuss Crown Resorts turmoil, infrastructure failings, Nedlands high-rise, council reform, election update, Bob Williams, Fabian Ross, Amanda Cox and Sam Gannon and our special report on ports and infrastructure.

A poor election result last time out and an untested new leader make the looming state poll a big test for the Liberals.

Among the many problems with Australia’s working visa system is the effect it has on seasonal workers from the Pacific Islands.

VR and AR technologies are gradually proving their value across business sectors.

The emotional benefits of play came to the fore during lockdown.

Zak Kirkup has finally produced a policy to jolt the electorate, writes Peter Kennedy.

Ahead of its time or white elephant? Time might ultimately determine which is true for the Ord River Dam.

Finance professor Ray Da Silva Rosa writes the most surprising aspect of GameStop is how many commentators reported it as a development that threatens the foundations of capitalism.

One of the many challenges facing Australian farmers is the perception among some that the sector receives hefty subsidies.

The local property sector could be the beneficiary of financial stimulus measures in China and the US.

In their weekly podcast Mark Pownall and Mark Beyer discuss COVID impact, testing innovation, 10 WA startups to watch in 2021, election campaign to resume, Perth house prices and major construction contracts.

Mark McGowan will need more than high iron ore prices, federal sugar-hits and COVID-stimulus packages if he wins re-election in March, writes Josh Adamson.

An increase in many tertiary course fees is rekindling discussion over the comparative value of on-the-job learning and uni education.

Property Council WA executive director Sandra Brewer explores build-to-rent apartments as one solution to the state's pressing residential rental shortage.

The government must do a lot more to protect us from increasingly hostile cyber attacks.

Mark Beyer and Matt Mckenzie discuss election costings, Rio Tinto’s new leadership, inflation, WA’s biggest private companies, craft brewing, indigenous business pioneer Daniel Tucker and Gamestop.

After a bumpy 2020, Australian meat producers and exporters face headwinds in 2021.

Western Australia is in better economic shape than any other state as we bid a relieved farewell to 2020 and look forward to 2021.