Government

Budget cuts not possible - Buswell; Premier to sign-off on port plans for WA; IMF warns slowdown to worsen; BHP nets $4.8bn in US bond market; Telstra blocking rivals - ACCC

The state government is expected to formally approve the $3.5 billion Oakajee port and rail project that is vital to mining developments in the Mid West region.

$1.6bn hole in budget as alcopops tax fails; World Bank looks to China to counter global gloom; ASIC targets banks over $1bn Storm collapse; Directors told to stand up to executives in pay talks; Nation building funding crisis

PEAK industry figures have cautiously welcomed state and federal government initiatives to soften the impact of the economic downturn on business, including the announcement of cuts to skilled migration.

TORTUOUS state government efforts to find a site for an LNG processing hub on the Kimberley coast may count for nought, at least for the next decade.

THE state's caravan industry is preparing for its biggest trade event of the year, with signs the changing demographics of the caravan and camper trailer market could prop up sales.

The Western Australian Trade Opportunities Service is operated by the International Trade Centre of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia.

BRIEFCASE notes that many oil and gas stocks, such as Pan Pacific, Carnarvon Petroleum, Cooper Energy and AED Oil, show little if any market value for their ongoing operating cash flow from production activities, while some trade at or below their cash as

Marylyn New takes an unconventional approach to decision making, but it works.