Staff Reporters

THE Housing Industry Association has again revised down its outlook for WA housing starts, predicting a 12 per cent drop during 2008-09, according to its market outlook report.

THE Association of Mining and Exploration Companies is on the lookout for a new chief executive after Justin Walawski announced his resignation.

Diversified minerals company, RMA Energy Limited has announced the recruitment of contract geologist Janis Puce for work on the McCauley Creek and Coane Range tenements.

THE Association of Mining and Exploration Companies has called on the state's major political parties to form a single resources portfolio to address declining exploration levels.

Read my Lips? Association of Consulting Engineers Australia (ACEA) Breakfast Communicating leadership that inspires, motivates and encourages.

CAPE Lambert Iron Ore Ltd chairman Ian Burston has resigned as the company receives its first payments for the sale of its Cape Lambert iron ore project.

Ophthalmologist Professor David Mackey will start his appointment as managing director of the Lions Eye Institute and professor of ophthalmology and director of the centre for ophthalmology and vis

THE federal government has provided $1 million in funding towards the fit-out of a new skills centre for the College of Electrical Training in Jandakot.

Austal Ltd John Rothwell has stepped down from executive duties to become non-executive chairman.

The Western Australian Trade Enquiry Service is operated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia (CCI) with the support of the WA Government's Department of Industry and Resour

Housing affordability in Western Australia has improved over the June quarter in the latest confirmation that house prices are weakening, while across the country levels remained at a 24-year low.

The future of Troy Buswell is in doubt after Liberal leader Colin Barnett refused to say if the former opposition leader will be included in the cabinet if the party is elected.

Higher iron ore prices have driven miner Portman Ltd's net profit up 140 per cent to just over $137 million in its half yearly report for 2008.

Rio's electricity division is the conduit that may give BHP hope; One senator holds key to North-West tax grab; Opes Prime takes toll on small brokers, stock lending; Woolies' new card will trail shoppers; Fairfax sheds 550 jobs and quality journalism

The state Labor Party has sought to capitalise on community concern over uranium mining, promising to introduce legislation banning the controversial practice if re-elected next month.

Uranium miner Paladin Energy Ltd has decreased its full year net loss to $42 million on the back of an improved performance from its Langer Heinrich uranium mine in Namibia.

Babcock and Brown Infrastructure Ltd has reported a full year net loss of $51 million and a cut in distributions, despite acquisitions over the past year including Alinta boosting revenue up 85 per cent.

Yilgarn back in port play on Golden deal; Ailing Centro bids to extend life support; Condensate tax added to Lib hit list; Minister hides key gas crisis evidence; US investors get direct access to local shares

Aquila Resources Ltd has taken its share price gains to 30 per cent over the past week as the market speculates on corporate transactions following its appointment of two advisers.

Premier Alan Carpenter and opposition leader Colin Barnett have played it safe in a pre-recorded debate to be aired tonight, with no fiery arguments or any new policies announced.

Client demand, improved margins and tight control of overheads have led Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Ltd to beat its prospectus pro forma earnings forecasts for the 2008 financial year.

Chinese given green light for raid on Rio; ANZ head says bank monitoring exposure on Babcock & Brown; Battle for Golden West shareholders hots up; Kirin buys up dairy in $900m deal; Profits take $12bn hit on write-downs

WA set to lose $25b gas project to Darwin; Coal fires but Coles a work in progress: Wesfarmers; Jobs go, debt slashed as B&B fights for a future; Carbon plan 'a company killer'; New scheme brings foreign workers to Kimberley

Mining services company Mineral Resources Ltd has reported a net profit of $47 million for the 2008 financial year, up 134 per cent from the previous year.

Accomodation and vehicle parts manufacturer Fleetwood Corporation Ltd has posted a 27 per cent rise in earnings before interest and tax of a record $51 million for the 2008 financial year.

'Game on', unions warn iron miners; Farmers want state to pick up WestNet; Jobs ditched as metal prices tumble; St George loses hope of higher bid; Ausdrill battle 'down to wire'

SYNOVATE has announced Julie Beeck as new managing director of Australia to continue the organisation's national expansion and development.

National executive recruitment firm The Brooklyn Group has appointed Lindsay Braganza as a specialist consultant in its information technology portfolio.

ARCHITECTURE firm Woodhead has won a $1.6 million contract to design the new headquarters of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA).

HAVING gained support from 19 steel producers, a Queensland-based consortium is pushing ahead with plans for a $14 billion, 3,300-kilometre rail line from the Pilbara to Queensland with industrial sme

AFTER 12 years as the founder and driving force behind Ausnet Real Estate Service Ltd and its predecessor the Ausnet Real Estate Network, Murray Joseph has announced he will be resigning from his exec

Curtin University of Technology has appointed associate professor John Neilson, who currently works for Curtin Business School, as the new pro vice-chancellor to spearhead the establishment of all aca