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Australian shares have opened higher ahead of the federal budget, following strong gains on Wall Street overnight.

Oil climbed about two per cent overnight to new 2019 highs, with Brent crude touching $US69 a barrel after positive signs for the global economy and tighter supplies drove both benchmarks' largest first-quarter gains in nearly a decade.

Gold inched lower overnight as stronger-than-expected US manufacturing data offset support from sluggish retail sales numbers while palladium surged three per cent.

Budget to splash the cash

Australian shares have jumped after China reported stronger-than-expected economic data - but the local bourse didn't gain as much as other Asian indices, with investors cautious a day ahead of the federal government's budget.

House prices in Perth have continued their downward trend, which has sparked an increase in first homebuyer activity, according to the latest data.

OPINION: The airline industry is tightly controlled, social media not so, but both have highlighted the failures of poor after-sales service.

The state government has announced it will spend $34.7 million over four years on the Office of Digital Government to transform digital processes in the Western Australian public sector.

Louis Vuitton will leave its upmarket King Street location and move into the Raine Square redevelopment in the CBD after signing a new long-term lease with Charter Hall.

Western Australia recorded its highest-ever number of international holidaymakers in 2018, but total spending from international visitors declined slightly over the year, as fewer people took working holidays or visited friends and relatives in the state, according to Tourism Research Australia.

Fortescue Metals Group has awarded a major component overhaul and replacement services (MCORS) contract to three contractors with Port Hedland workshops, with Fortescue saying the contract would result in 17 full-time, local jobs.

Recent policy disputes have shone a light on political and business influence in WA.

The looming federal election could mark a big shift in political power, not just in Canberra but also WA.

Wellard has sold its Wongan Hills feed mill, and Baldivis Pre-Export Quarantine lease in Western Australia, as well as its Condah Pre-Export Quarantine facility in Victoria, to Ausvision Rural Services.

Rio Tinto has revealed its full-year Pilbara iron ore shipments are expected to be at the lower end of its 338 million to 350 million tonnes guidance, after Tropical Cyclone Veronica damaged its Cape Lambert port.

Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan is in Shanghai this week, spruiking the state's LNG industry.

Woolworths will close about 30 underperforming Big W stores and two distribution centres over the next three years after increasing numbers of shoppers took their business online.

Australian shares have rallied as consumer staples advance a day before the federal government releases the details of its budget.

Miners vow to fight parks plan

Oil prices rose about one per cent on Friday, posting their biggest quarterly rise in a decade, as US sanctions against Iran and Venezuela as well as OPEC-led supply cuts overshadowed concerns over a slowing global economy.

Gold gained on Friday en route to its second quarterly rise as the US dollar eased on tepid US economic data, while palladium snapped three straight sessions of sharp losses, ending the quarter on a positive note.

A $650 million development proposed to be built on the Burswood Peninsula promises to solve the fundamental problem with Western Australian tourism by bringing the state's most unique indigenous experiences and natural attractions to the inner city.

UPDATED: Gina Rinehart, Andrew Forrest, Kerry Stokes, Bianca Rinehart and Angela Bennett are the wealthiest people in Western Australia, according to a new rich list.

An authentic indigenous cultural centre could be a key element in the revival of Western Australia's ailing tourism sector, providing a unique attractor for interstate and international visitors, a recent forum has heard.

PODCAST: Mark Beyer and Matt Mckenzie discuss Scott Morrison and roads funding, Perth's wave park, the Hopman Cup and other tourist attractions we don't have in Perth, urban sprawl, Wesfarmers' surprise takeover target, growth in WA's resources sector, and our new supplement Great for the State.

Western Australia's new home of football has helped make the West Coast Eagles the biggest earner in the AFL, while also providing a solid boost to the Fremantle Dockers' revenue.

Perth-based employment services firm Downing Teal has been acquired by CGH Group, which will include the creation of a new entity called Beilby Downing Teal that will employ 50 staff across seven offices.

North America-focused Otto Energy is seeking to raise $11 million via a share placement and $20 million through a one-for-five rights issue, both at an issue price of 5.3 cents per share.

Perth's Yagan Square, developed by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority, won two awards at last night's UDIA National Awards.

Sime Building and Construction has won an $8.36 million contract to construct an indoor sports and recreation centre.

An automotive dealer from the Wheatbelt has been named Telstra's Western Australian Business Woman of the year, joining a group of 24 former winners including Gina Rinehart and Sharon Warburton.

Federal Labor will introduce its changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax by January 1 next year if the party wins the May election.