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Business News - Business, finance, political, & economic news.

Corporate Finance DealsView all

MRX Technologies

Siemens buys Perth business

Fraser Beattie Fraser Beattie
26 Jun 2017

Global business Siemens is expanding its footprint in the rail infrastructure sector with the acquisition of Perth-headquartered MRX Technologies for an undisclosed sum.

Silver Lake Resources

Silver Lake sells Murchison assets to Westgold

Business News Business News
23 Jun 2017

Silver Lake Resources has announced the sale of its remaining interests in the Murchison region to Metals X spin-out Westgold Resources in a cash-and-shares deal worth $10 million.

Brierty

Brierty signs facility deal with Bankwest

Fraser Beattie Fraser Beattie
23 Jun 2017

Brierty has signed a new facility and debt restructure agreement with Bankwest that is conditional on the company's rectification plan at Rio Tinto's Western Turner Syncline project being approved by the iron ore miner.

Pharmanet Group

Calidus debuts on ASX

Business News Business News
22 Jun 2017

Gold-focused Calidus Resources has begun trading on the ASX after raising $7.8 million from investors and completing a reverse takeover of biotech company Pharmanet Group.

Dreamscape Networks

Dreamscape buys Singapore firm for $30m

Business News Business News
22 Jun 2017

ASX-listed tech firm Dreamscape Networks has entered into an agreement to acquire a Singapore-based hosting and domain services business for about $30 million in cash and scrip.

Most CommentedView all

Wesfarmers

Relentless dismantling of traditional retail

Tim Treadgold Tim Treadgold
30 May 2017

ANALYSIS: The point of no return may have already been reached for bricks-and-mortar retailers struggling to compete with the online experience. 

Business News

New Business News CEO

Business News Business News
09 Jun 2017

Mark Pownall will become CEO at Business News from the start of the new financial year, replacing Charlie Gunningham, who has been at the helm for four years.

Economic Regulation Authority

WA holds all the cards on energy

Tim Treadgold Tim Treadgold
13 Jun 2017

OPINION: Western Australia has always been different to the rest of the nation, and not often to its advantage, as the ongoing dispute over the GST demonstrates.

Pilbara Ports Authority

Households, miners to pay an extra $334m

Fraser Beattie Fraser Beattie
22 Jun 2017

The state government has lifted an array of fees and charges as it seeks to address its budget woes, with iron ore exporters in the Pilbara and electricity consumers facing the largest increases.

Town of East Fremantle

Plastic bags banned by WA local councils

AAP AAP
29 May 2017

Plastic bags are being shunned by councils in Western Australia, which are making the most of Premier Mark McGowan's support for local governments to ban the bag. 

Politics & the EconomyView all

Tourism WA board shake-up

Mark Beyer Mark Beyer
AAP AAP
27 Jun 2017

The McGowan government's shake-up of public sector agencies has triggered unexpected departures from key agencies, with road safety commissioner Kim Papalia resigning and three Tourism WA board members following chairman Peter Prendiville out the door.

Property Council of Australia

WA wages, regional growth, mortgages a census focus

Fraser Beattie Fraser Beattie
27 Jun 2017

Western Australia is home to the nation's fastest-growing region for the second consecutive census, but this time it's not in the north.

Interstate migration hits WA's population growth

Fraser Beattie Fraser Beattie
27 Jun 2017

Western Australia's population grew by just 0.7 per cent for the 12 months to December, after only 400 people migrated from overseas, while nearly 11,000 moved interstate.

ANZ Banking Group

Asleep at the wheel as perception gap widens

Tim Treadgold Tim Treadgold
27 Jun 2017

ANALYSIS: The business sector's view of the future and that of consumers are heading in different directions.

Macquarie Group

SA bank levy attractive: Wyatt

AAP AAP
23 Jun 2017

State Treasurer Ben Wyatt says the South Australian government's controversial bank levy is an attractive option and he'll watch with interest ahead of delivering his own budget in September.

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PropertyView all

ABN Group

Big builders facing insurance hike

Dan Wilkie Dan Wilkie
27 Jun 2017

Western Australia's biggest builders are facing higher insurance costs, in some cases understood to be as high as 25 per cent more, as the Building Commission moves to reduce the reliance on taxpayers to foot the bill for failures in the sector.

MGroup

Wodonga Plaza a match for M/Group

Dan Wilkie Dan Wilkie
26 Jun 2017

Property development and investment firm MGroup has added a second shopping centre to its portfolio, entering an agreement to buy Wodonga Plaza in Victoria from Vicinity Centres for $43.5 million.

Charter Hall

Busselton pub sold to Charter Hall fund

Dan Wilkie Dan Wilkie
23 Jun 2017

One of institutional property group Charter Hall's investment funds has bought The Ship Inn in Busselton, part of a $23.2 million sale and leaseback deal with Australia's biggest pub owner, ALH Group.

Aquatic Leisure Technologies

Rooftop pool goes in at Park Regis

Business News Business News
22 Jun 2017

Aqua Technics has installed a free-standing composite pool on the roof of the Park Regis Hotel in Subiaco, saying this technique delivered big time savings for Cooper & Oxley Builders.

Real Estate Institute of Western Australia

Perth property plunge not over yet

Dan Wilkie Dan Wilkie
22 Jun 2017

Property analyst BIS Oxford Economics believes there is limited upside for residential property in Perth and says the market has yet to bottom out, contrary to the widely held view that the worst is over for Perth homeowners.

Arts & CommunityView all

HASSELL

Willetton SHS takes top architecture award

Fraser Beattie Fraser Beattie
26 Jun 2017

Willetton Senior High School has claimed the top prize at this year's WA Architecture Awards, while Elizabeth Quay, an arts centre in the Pilbara and the Gen Y Demonstration Housing project were among those to receive high accolades.

St Vincent de Paul Society WA Inc

Chequered past motivation for new career

Katie McDonald Katie McDonald
22 Jun 2017

Perth entrepreneur Paris Mitchell has packaged his past experiences with addiction and substance abuse into a series of educational presentations and workshops for schools, not-for-profit agencies and corporates.

BDO

BDO dons purple bras for good cause

Katie McDonald Katie McDonald
19 Jun 2017

More than a dozen partners from BDO will wear purple bras over their corporate attire this Wednesday in support of Breast Cancer Care WA's annual Purple Bra Day, in the hope of raising at least $10,000 for the charity's services. 

Artist in residence with Jarrad Seng

Katie McDonald Katie McDonald
19 Jun 2017

Whether he's taking photos of baby leopards in Namibia or of acclaimed musicians performing to packed stadiums all over the world, award-winning photographer, filmmaker, and creative director Jarrad Seng has turned what was a hobby into a fulfilling career.

Royal Flying Doctor Service

RFDS opens new facility

Business News Business News
15 Jun 2017

The Royal Flying Doctor Service officially opened its new aviation and engineering facility this morning, which was funded by a $3.9 million Lotterywest grant and donations from Western Australians.

Featured PhotographsView all

Jimmy McKeown Chief Distiller, founder
CEO Howard Cearns and distiller Alex Poulsen
Linda Taylor and her 4 ambassadors
The rise of sneaker culture AGWA
15 years of winners - 40under40 book launch at the Beaumonde On The Point
Freshly caught green abalones
That's not an easy job to put these reefs into the water when the ocean is rough
EY Entrepreneur of the year lunch
Premium olive oil with warmed olives and house baked bread
The views from a tent at Olio Bello's farm

EnergyView all

AGL Energy

Hunt appointed as AGL chairman

AAP AAP
21 Jun 2017

AGL Energy has appointed non-executive director Graeme Hunt to take over as chairman when Jerry Maycock retires.

Rooftop solar changing energy market

Mark Beyer Mark Beyer
15 Jun 2017

Rooftop solar panels cut peak electricity demand last summer by 7 per cent and their growing popularity is reshaping consumption patterns, potentially at higher cost to electricity generators, a new report has found.

PM urged to pull party into line on energy

AAP AAP
12 Jun 2017

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will face a showdown over the merits of a proposed clean energy target when government MPs meet tomorrow.

Woodside Petroleum

Woodside fears Senegal development delay

Fraser Beattie Fraser Beattie
08 Jun 2017

Woodside Petroleum says its joint venture partner at the SNE oilfield offshore Senegal, FAR, has declined to support a transition for the energy giant to eventually take over as operator of the operation.

AGL Energy

Regulator gives AGL, Origin green light

Matt Mckenzie Matt Mckenzie
30 May 2017

East coast-based companies AGL Energy and Origin Energy have received approval to enter Western Australia's domestic gas market, where they will join Wesfarmers subsidiary Kleenheat and Alinta Energy.

"Mark My Words" PodcastsView all

23 June 2017

In this Business News podcast Dan Wilkie and Mark Beyer discuss the state budget, fees and charges, skilled migration, the outlook for Perth property, new mining projects, the roadhouse blues, and indigenous business.
16 June 2017

In this Business News podcast Mark Pownall and Mark Beyer discuss resources contracts, unemployment, solar power, BHP, CEO sleepout and apartment developments.

09 June 2017

In this Business News podcast Mark Pownall and Mark Beyer discuss the Access Economics report, mining development activity, WA’s civil infrastructure projects …. and BN’s new CEO.

 
02 June 2017

In this Business News podcast Mark Pownall and Dan Wilkie discuss builder collapses, Wesfarmers leadership, CEO salaries, distilleries and breweries.
26 May 2017

In this Business News podcast Mark Pownall and Dan Wilkie discuss Forrest’s donation, Midland Gate expansion, investing in man caves and ICT for small business.

 

Food & WineView all

Competitive Foods Australia

Collins buys more WA KFC restaurants

Fraser Beattie Fraser Beattie
26 Jun 2017

ASX-listed Collins Foods will spend $110.2 million to acquire 28 KFC restaurants around Australia from US-based Yum! Brands, six of which are in Western Australia.

Claremont tops for amenity

Dan Wilkie Dan Wilkie
20 Jun 2017

Theoretically speaking, office workers in Subiaco have to wait about seven times as long as their Claremont counterparts for a morning coffee, an analysis of amenity levels across 50 suburban office markets has revealed.

Blue Cow Cheese

Poach Pear plates up to meet demand

Katie McDonald Katie McDonald
20 Jun 2017

A fine foods producer is extending its offering across Australia to satisfy a growing appetite for its artisanal products. 

Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co

Brand focus for brewers as market gets crowded

Dan Wilkie Dan Wilkie
06 Jun 2017

SPECIAL REPORT: Brewers are increasingly focusing on branding to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving craft scene.

Hippocampus Metropolitan Distillery

Artisans distil spirits’ true essence

Dan Wilkie Dan Wilkie
06 Jun 2017

SPECIAL REPORT: WA distillers are poised at the forefront of the next big movement in boutique beverages.

Special ReportsView all

Apartments advantage

Apartments advantage

19 June 2017

Opportunities arise amid dearth of new projects

Supply issues likely for apartments

Supply issues likely for apartments

Dan Wilkie
19 Jun 2017
South Perth shines light on city-wide planning problems

South Perth shines light on city-wide planning problems

Dan Wilkie
19 Jun 2017
Infrastructure projects 2017

Infrastructure projects 2017

12 June 2017

Contractors face unique local challenges

Contractors face unique local challenges

Mark Beyer
12 Jun 2017
Labor resets infrastructure priorities

Labor resets infrastructure priorities

Mark Beyer
12 Jun 2017
Crafting a legacy

Crafting a legacy

06 June 2017

Distillers, brewers help WA lead the way in boutique beverages

Artisans distil spirits’ true essence

Artisans distil spirits’ true essence

Dan Wilkie
06 Jun 2017
Brand focus for brewers as market gets crowded

Brand focus for brewers as market gets crowded

Dan Wilkie
06 Jun 2017
ICT small business

ICT small business

29 May 2017

Tech time savers suit small business

Tech time savers suit small business

Matt Mckenzie
29 May 2017
Perth startups delivering solutions

Perth startups delivering solutions

Matt Mckenzie
29 May 2017
Philanthropy

Philanthropy

22 May 2017

Charities diversify appeal

Broadening the appeal of giving

Broadening the appeal of giving

Katie McDonald
22 May 2017
Passing the social licence test

Passing the social licence test

Katie McDonald
22 May 2017
New campaigns broaden arts bodies’ donor base

New campaigns broaden arts bodies’ donor base

Katie McDonald
22 May 2017
Forrests gift $400m

Forrests gift $400m

Katie McDonald
22 May 2017

MiningView all

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA

CCI pitches GST reform to Productivity Commission

Business News Business News
27 Jun 2017

About 18,000 local businesses and key leaders have backed the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA's GST reform submissions, which were put forward to the Productivity Commission today.

Rio Tinto

Yancoal poised to win Rio coal battle

AAP AAP
27 Jun 2017

China's Yancoal looks to have sealed a deal for Rio Tinto's NSW coal operations after raising its offer price to $US2.69 billion ($A3.55 billion) to top a rival offer from global miner Glencore.

Fortescue Metals Group

Fortescue to add more autonomous trucks

Fraser Beattie Fraser Beattie
27 Jun 2017

Fortescue Metals Group will deploy a further 112 autonomous trucks across its Pilbara hubs during the next three years as part of its ongoing innovation plans.

Pilbara Minerals

Govt agency invests in lithium mine

Mark Beyer Mark Beyer
27 Jun 2017

The federal government's Clean Energy Finance Corporation has emerged as a surprise backer of Pilbara Minerals' Pilgangoora lithium mine, and has outlined a broad range of projects that may attract future support.

BHP Billiton

BHP commences next big iron ore project

Mark Beyer Mark Beyer
26 Jun 2017

BHP has approved initial funding for its $3 billion-plus South Flank iron ore project in the Pilbara, and the company's top Australian executive said he wanted to hear from local suppliers who could add value to the development.

OpinionView all

The truth about blockchains

Marcus Holmes Marcus Holmes
27 Jun 2017

OPINION: Amid all the hype about blockchains, one major issue is finding the best use for the technology.

Mark my words podcast

Mark Beyer Mark Beyer
Dan Wilkie Dan Wilkie
23 Jun 2017

In this Business News podcast Dan Wilkie and Mark Beyer discuss the state budget, fees and charges, skilled migration, the outlook for Perth property, new mining projects, the roadhouse blues, and indigenous business.

Cashie maintains lucrative allure

Catie Low Catie Low
21 Jun 2017

OPINION: Everyday Aussies feel gypped when big business doesn't seem to pay its 'fair' share of the tax burden, which may help explain the attraction of the cash economy.

BHP Billiton

Bank on gold, London to a brick

Tim Treadgold Tim Treadgold
20 Jun 2017

OPINION: A slide in the value of the $A against the greenback could be a positive for gold. 

Inconsistency on asset sales

Mark Pownall Mark Pownall
19 Jun 2017

OPINION: The government seems to be having a bet each way in terms of privatising its revenue-generating assets.

RetailView all

Wesfarmers

Grocery prices are crazy: Coles boss

AAP AAP
07 Jun 2017

Australia's food and grocery prices have to come down further because they are "crazy" compared to the rest of the world, Coles managing director John Durkan says.

WA car sales show first improvement in years

Fraser Beattie Fraser Beattie
06 Jun 2017

New car sales in Western Australia grew on a monthly basis for the first time in four years in May, but the upswing still falls well short of the slide in sales for the year to date.

Woodside Petroleum

CEO lunch with Michael Chaney

Charlie Gunningham Charlie Gunningham
02 Jun 2017

Business News sat down to lunch at Julio's with Michael Chaney to discuss his career at Wesfarmers and beyond.

Wesfarmers

New target for remuneration

Mark Beyer Mark Beyer
01 Jun 2017

The salary package for Wesfarmers' new managing director acknowledges the reality that many large companies pay big annual bonuses every year.

Wesfarmers

Wesfarmers could be most exposed to Amazon

AAP AAP
01 Jun 2017

Amazon poses the biggest threat to Wesfarmers' discount department stores Kmart and Target rather than specialty retailers like JB Hi-Fi, investment bank Morgan Stanley warns.

Thought LeadershipView all

What’s on every CIOs mind? Cloud and Mobility

Nicki Pereira Nicki Pereira
22 Jun 2017

Although cloud computing has been around for over a decade, for most people outside of the tech industry, it will feel like a relatively new concept.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Regional businesses lead the way in innovation

Natasha Greenwood Natasha Greenwood
22 Jun 2017

But we're only scratching the surface. Innovation means different things to different people. Some associate innovation with technology, gadgets and science. 

Is the meat in the sandwich? – The Pay and Performance Discussion.

Heather Warner Heather Warner
08 Jun 2017

Employees seek reward for their efforts and so regular pay reviews are an important element for any organisation to ensure employees maintain an appropriate level of remuneration.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Future-proofing business through innovation

Gary McGrath Gary McGrath
08 Jun 2017

CommBank's 21 Day Change Challenge helps businesses face change and innovate day to day operations to meet challenges and take advantage of opportunities.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Business bankers strategic partners for challenges and change

Gary McGrath Gary McGrath
18 May 2017

Commonwealth Bank has transformed business banking to help small to large enterprises face emerging challenges and opportunities