Fraser Beattie

Two prominent Perth businesswomen have moved on to new government roles, with Heather Zampatti named the new chair for Lotterywest, while Libby Lyons has become a director of the national Workplace Gender Equality Agency.

Newcrest Mining is looking to increase its exploration acreage in West Africa through a proposed joint venture agreement with Perth-based company Taruga Gold, while AngloGold Ashanti has advanced plans to redevelop its Obuasi mine in Ghana.

Local exploration firms Impact Minerals, Lucapa Diamond Company, and General Mining Corporation have taken in a combined $8.4 million from successful capital raisings.

Former Amcom Telecommunications chairman Anthony Grist has invested in listed tech company Decimal Software, which is seeking extra cashflow while awaiting the receipt of a research and development tax refund.

The corporate watchdog has stopped Perth-based Macro Realty Developments from promoting a Pilbara property investment that ran afoul of Australian company regulations.

The family that holds a majority interest in Diploma Group has formally launched a takeover offer for all shares it doesn’t own in the business, at a bargain basement price of 1.5 cents per share.

7-Eleven founder and chairman Russ Withers says allegations of staff underpayment by franchisees have challenged all levels of the company, and substantial changes will be made to its business model.

The Australian Institute of Geoscientists has appealed to the federal government for the inclusion of the geoscientist profession on the list of jobs to which labour market testing applies under the 457 visa program.

Cash Converters International has announced a number of board changes, including the retirement of its chairman, and has commenced a review of the business as it responds to challenging market conditions.