Latest Headlines

Former Western Australian under-treasurer John Langoulant has questioned the business community for failing to reprimand the state government’s loss of a AAA credit rating, at a Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre forum today.

The state government has begun the tender process to find a lead financial adviser as it plans to move ahead with divesting a portion of Keystart’s loan book to the private sector.

The Australian sharemarket has retreated from one per cent gains to end modestly higher.

LandCorp has named a shortlist of three developers for the construction of a fourth lot at Claremont on the Park, while the City of Swan has approved a master plan for the Midland Oval redevelopment.

It is one of the most overused quotes of all time, but if you look at the old and the new of Western Australia’s mining industry it is impossible to avoid thinking about the first words in Charles Dickens’ novel, A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”.

Sodexo has been shortlisted with two other companies to manage all of Rio Tinto’s camps and other facilities in the Pilbara, in the same week it has been awarded a contract to run Shell’s Prelude Floating LNG facility.

Telstra chief executive Andy Penn says the days where companies do all of their innovation, research and development internally are over, while new creative and more nimble startups are proving that the scale of a business is no longer a competitive advantage.

Apartment developer Finbar Group says it has completed its $75.6 million Arbor North project in Rivervale on time and budget, with $54.6 million in sales received to date.

Perth-based potash explorer Elemental Minerals has received a proposal from a private equity group for a $US40 million ($A55 million) investment in the business to advance its African assets.

Brookfield Infrastructure has suffered a blow in its contested takeover bid for port and rail provider Asciano, with the ACCC declining to accept a series of behavioural undertakings offered by the Canadian group.

Karma Resorts’ plan to spend $20 million redeveloping the Rottnest Lodge into a resort-style hotel are a step closer to being realised, with lease negotiations finalised with the state government today.

Vicinity Centres has paid $319 million for The Shops At Ellenbrook and Livingston Marketplace, two suburban shopping centres put up for sale by the Insurance Commission of Western Australia earlier

The pay packet for an average full-time female worker was $27,000 less than a man's last financial year.

Actress Claudia Karvan joined Fortescue Metals Group chief executive Nev Power to recognise White Ribbon Day and speak out against violence towards women.

Instant cameras, motorised skateboards and electronic fitness products are all on the wishlist as Australian shoppers prepare to splurge more this Christmas.

The Australian share market has opened more than half a percentage point higher, as investors flock back to the banks.

Hancock’s $162m dividend

The major US indexes were virtually unchanged at the close of a quiet trading day with gains in healthcare and consumer stocks after data showed US modest economic growth.

This week REIWA members reported a marginal increase in the weekly sales to record 637 sales from 632 sales last week.

Two local public sector leaders have taken top honours at a Leadership WA ceremony last night, which acknowledge those who have shown exceptional levels of leadership and community contribution.

The Australian dollar has fallen from its one month low, weighed down by weaker commodity prices.

Oil prices have finished a bit higher after a US inventory report showed increased petroleum supply, but a separate report showed fewer drilling rigs in service.

Gold prices have dropped, hovering just above the lowest level in nearly six years after the US dollar rose on the back of strong American economic data.

Three workers have been killed in two separate incidents across Perth today, including two men crushed by a concrete slab at a construction worksite in East Perth.

The state government remains cautiously optimistic about its proposed sale of the Utah Point bulk handling facility in Port Hedland, following the introduction to parliament today of legislation to allow transition of the asset to the private sector.

Satterley Property Group is planning to build up to 420 homes in Forrestfield, after buying the old Western Power site on Hawtin Road from the state government for $30 million.

Australia's big four banks have pulled the Australian share market more than half a percentage point lower, losing ground for a second straight session.

The Barnett years will be remembered for many things, but economic responsibility is not among them.

Rod Leonard has stepped down from his position as managing director of engineerig company Lycopodium, with existing board member Peter De Leo stepping into the role.

A technology company led by former Alinta Energy boss Bob Browning is seeking an ASX listing through a reverse takeover of Perth-based Cove Resources.

Wesfarmers chairman Michael Chaney has disagreed with Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Glenn Stevens’ view that big companies have not reduced hurdle rates for investment decisions amid falling interest rates, in an address at this morning’s Business News Success & Leadership breakfast.

A consortium of Australian and international investment funds has bought the NSW-based TransGrid "poles and wire" network in a deal worth more than $10 billion.