Michael Ramsey

Michael covers public policy issues, with a broad interest in the relationship between business and politics. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Western Australia. michael.ramsey@businessnews.com.au

Howard defends family tax handouts

Michael Ramsey

16-May-2013

Former prime minister John Howard has defended his government's introduction of the baby bonus, saying the tax system should recognise the costs associated with raising children.

Freight demand to double by 2030

Michael Ramsey

16-May-2013

The state's ports could handle a trade of more than one billion tonnes per annum by 2030 if demand for iron ore exports continues on its current trajectory.

Budget fails to deliver for WA: industry

Michael Ramsey

15-May-2013

WA business leaders say the federal budget has made life more difficult for local industry and fails to recognise the state's importance to the national economy.

Govt tightens belt amid budget strain

Michael Ramsey

14-May-2013

Treasurer Troy Buswell has trimmed $92 million in government expenditure as rising spending and a "significant erosion" of revenue threaten to bring the state's budget into deficit.

Buswell warns budget under pressure

Michael Ramsey

09-May-2013

Western Australian households face an extra $218 a year in fees and charges as Treasurer Troy Buswell warned of a "significant erosion" of the state's revenue base.

Rising health demand brings challenges

Michael Ramsey

09-May-2013

BY any objective standards, the nation's demand for healthcare services is growing rapidly. A recent analysis by the Grattan Institute revealed Australian governments' health expenditure had increased by 74 per cent, or more than $40 billion, in real terms over the last decade.

Michael Smith to chair AICD

Michael Ramsey

08-May-2013

Prominent Perth board member Michael Smith has been appointed national chairman of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Mr Smith is the first Western Australian to head the organisation in its 23 year history.

Research to shed light on boom

Michael Ramsey

03-May-2013

Shedding light on the social impact of Western Australia's remarkable growth will be a priority focus for the new economics research centre at Curtin University.

ECM stays ahead of the game

Michael Ramsey

02-May-2013

For Perth-based contractor ECM, reports of a slowdown in mining and LNG project construction were little cause for concern.

High costs thwart WA almond orchard

Michael Ramsey

24-Apr-2013

Melbourne-based Select Harvests has abandoned plans to develop a vast almond orchard in Western Australia's Wheatbelt region, blaming tough economic conditions and the high costs of power and water extraction in WA.