Government

A federal government proposal to impose a $5 co-payment for prescription drugs remains on the table.

The state's tourism sector is reaping the rewards of a weaker dollar but more needs to be done to secure the full benefits of holiday spending and lower post-boom prices. Click through to see more on our tourism feature.

New South Wales has overtaken Western Australia as the favoured destination for Chinese direct investment in Australia, as the near decade-long resources and energy sector boom tails away.

Three Perth industrial businesses, including Fero Group and Hofmann Engineering, are set to invest more than $40 million in new manufacturing facilities after securing federal government grants.

Ride sharing service Uber is facing increased regulatory battles, with the WA government prosecuting more drivers and the Queensland government moving to protect the taxi industry, which Uber describes as a protected monopoly market.

LEADING human resources experts hosted a forum in Perth last week on the issue of redundancies and downsizing, a timely dialogue considering the state's economic malaise.

CONFIDENCE in the commercial construction and home building sectors is driving borrowings growth in Western Australia, despite the gloomy economic outlook contained in the state budget.

A federal government move to set itself targets for indigenous procurement has met with a disappointed response from established contractors, with one critic labelling it as ‘smoke and mirrors'.

Dramatic structural changes have driven strong shifts in the types of deals being made by Chinese investors in Australia.

The redevelopment of Midland is set to begin in the coming months with Planning Minister John Day today releasing the master plan for the area that includes more jobs and community spaces, and 7,000 new dwellings.

Atlas Iron has accepted the state government's iron ore royalty relief program, which will deliver an up-front cash injection of $12.5 million and an expected total benefit of $23 million.

Mandurah's 62-year-old traffic bridge will be replaced with a new four-lane bridge over the estuary, with the state government having secured the $51.8 million it needs to fund the project.

The prime minister is being urged to repair the damage after the federal government let speculation linger on the possibility of an iron ore inquiry.

Treasurer Joe Hockey has ruled out the federal government initiating an inquiry into iron ore, just one week after Prime Minister Tony Abbott backed the idea.

Any residents who are forced out of their homes to make way for the Perth Freight Link will be "generously treated", the premier has promised.

Uber is considering legal action to challenge a tax office ruling that requires its drivers to pay GST in line with taxi operators.

Treasurer Mike Nahan has flagged the possibility of demolishing and replacing the outdated Royal Perth Hospital with a new tertiary health facility, after the state government was criticised for not setting aside $180 million for a major upgrade.

Just days after it strongly criticised plans for a new medical school at Curtin University, the Australian Medical Association is again at odds with the state government, this time over a restructuring of Healthway.

Having taken Perth by storm in the past year, Uber is planning a new car pooling product that could cut traffic congestion and transportation costs if the experience in other cities is repeated, general manager (Australia) Simon Rossi told a Business News Success & Leadership breakfast this morning.

The war of words over a proposed parliamentary inquiry into the iron ore industry escalated today, with BHP Billiton saying it would send a "terrible signal" to Australia's trading partners, while the main supporter of an inquiry claimed he had been misrepresented.

THE state's live cattle exporters are preparing for an improved season ahead, while farmers in the processed meat market have already enjoyed a dramatic improvement in fortunes so far this year.

The people of Western Australia expect their elected government to take a firm stand on the current funding and budget measures being proposed by the federal authorities.

A possible Senate inquiry into iron ore prices can't be a witchhunt, Prime Minister Tony Abbott has warned.

Oil prices could soon spike higher because of a lack of new discoveries, BHP Billiton's petroleum boss says.

The ‘iron ore wars' and budget battles are defining where power and influence lies in business and politics in WA. Read our latest Most Influential feature to see who is on the rise, whose influence is waning and who has dropped off the list.

The state government has announced a $40 million package to reduce charges at the Utah Point bulk handling facility by up to $2.50 per tonne, in an effort to help junior miners continue to export iron ore.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has declared support for an inquiry into the iron ore industry, providing a huge boost for the campaign being waged by Fortescue Metals Group chairman Andrew Forrest against his two biggest competitors.

Almost 60 Western Australian businesses were declared insolvent in February 2015, an increase in the state's share of national insolvencies compared with recent years.

Western Australia could secure projects worth $1 billion under a reduced renewable energy target, although there is conjecture as to whether the final terms will be business friendly enough.

A $25 million apartment project near the Cottesloe Civic Centre has won approval to go ahead, despite objections from the local council.

Western Australian government net debt is forecast to peak at $35 billion in 2017-18, but Treasurer Mike Nahan is confident that asset sales and a lagged rebound in GST revenue will help pay it back.

The state government's decision to sell Fremantle Ports is likely to halt two separate sale and tender processes currently under way, including privatisation of the port's automotive trade.