Barnett forces Buswell to resign
Troy Buswell has resigned as state treasurer after admitting to the abuse of taxpayers' funds during an affair with Greens MP Adele Carles. In a press conference this week, a sombre Premier Colin Barnett said Mr Buswell's position had become untenable and the hapless treasurer had tendered his resignation, effective immediately.
Speculation continues on resources tax
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has refused to rule out the introduction of a resources rent tax, following reports the new tax will raise at least $5 billion a year. The government's tax reform plans will become clearer this Sunday, when the long awaited Henry Tax Review will be released publicly.
China beat locals to $US180m Gorgon deal
Chevron has awarded a Chinese engineering company a $US180 million contract for the construction of modules for the Gorgon gas project that was originally earmarked for Australian steel fabricators. China's Offshore Oil Engineering Corp won the contract for the construction of more than 150 modules as part of the $43 billion project, leaving a sour taste in the mouth of the nation's steel fabricators.
Salta lodges writ over Raine Square
Salta Constructions has commenced court action against Saracen Properties over the Raine Square dispute. Salta lodged a writ seeking damages for loss of profit against Westgem Investments, a company under the Saracen Properties umbrella, in the Western Australian Supreme Court.
BHP in US corruption probe
BHP Billiton is cooperating with regulators in the US and elsewhere after uncovering potential corruption in company dealings with government officials. News of the corruption comes just weeks after rival mining powerhouse Rio Tinto sacked four Shanghai-based staff convicted of accepting bribes from Chinese steel mills.