Regulation

The Liberal-National government has approved development of a new resources safety bill to further modernise resources industry regulation.

The state government has streamlined the planning approvals process, rolling out consistent regulations across local governments, introducing online application systems, and removing the requirement for single homes that meet R-Code regulations to have to go through the planning approvals process.

The mining sector has reached a new five-year low, with confidence levels likely to take years to recover, according to industry leaders surveyed in the latest Mining Business Outlook report.

UPDATE: The state government says it will not consider privatising low-deposit home loan scheme Keystart, despite the recommendation to do so by the Economic Regulation Authority.

Perth oil and gas explorer Antares Energy has responded vigorously to claims by one of its major shareholders that it lacked transparency around a major deal and the disclosure of directors’ interests.

A total of 47 state sporting associations will share $7.2 million in funding over the next three years to help develop sport and recreation from grassroots to elite levels.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA has launched a new website for businesses to air their issues with bureaucratic red tape.

The establishment of a Southern Ports Authority has been postponed after the state government confirmed that three new regional port authorities will commence operations from July 1.

The head of a leading pharmacy chain has warned the sector would fracture if it were deregulated, as proposed in the federal government’s recent Commission of Audit report.