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The Australian dollar is slightly higher after the release of weaker-than-expected US employment figures.

A tax hike on cigarettes and a levy on bank deposits could be maintained under a federal coalition government.

A jam-packed week of economic data and corporate earnings amounted to only modest movement in US equities, as stocks closed out a hectic week of news only somewhat higher.

Kevin Rudd has an image problem – he's too concerned with his image to work at developing good policy.

Energy Minister Mike Nahan has lauded the increased transparency he expects will follow the launch today of two gas market reforms, which have raised industry concerns about added costs and excessi

Record low interest rates are contributing to the surprising increase in Perth's property prices.

Business News for Western Australia. Friday August 2. Jessica Taylor reports. Mike Nahan praises gas reforms. Federal budget takes $33bn hit. Paladin Energy cancels mine sale.

The Australian share market has hit its highest point in more than two months as good signs from the United States overshadowed weaker local economic forecasts from the federal government.

A shipping container carrying lead carbonate has buckled at Fremantle Port and cannot be secured for export.

Business groups believe Treasurer Chris Bowen has missed an opportunity to improve Australia's competitiveness, encourage economic growth and provide jobs.

OM Holdings subsidiary OMM has been fined $150,000 for desecrating a sacred site in the Northern Territory.

Paladin Energy has completed a heavily discounted capital raising after scrapping the sale of a stake in its flagship African uranium mine after it failed to attract a high enough bid.

The Rudd government's revenues have taken a $33 billion hit amid worsening economic conditions.

Wine buyers looking for a high-quality semillon sauvignon blanc can rest assured that Western Australian wineries are a good place to start.

Tony Abbott has moved to neutralise the issue of education ahead of the federal election by dropping his opposition to the government's school funding plan.

Casino operator Crown is shaking up its senior management in a move that sees its Perth resort boss promoted at the expense of his Melbourne counterpart.

Liza Harvey will become Western Australia's new tourism minister, replacing Kim Hames who was forced to give up the portfolio after admitting an expenses bungle.

The Australian share market has opened nearly one per cent higher.

The state budget to be delivered on August 8 is expected to remain in surplus, despite the government preparing for a further major reduction in GST revenue.

Setting the ground rules, and sticking to them, can make all the difference when embarking on a new business venture.

The Australian dollar has fallen to a fresh three-year low as strong US economic data raised the possibility the Federal Reserve will start winding down its economic stimulus program soon.

US stocks have rallied on strong economic data from China, Europe and the United States, pushing the S&P 500 to an all-time closing high.

In a recent column for Business News I questioned whether there was a bigger issue driving the surprise FBT tax changes proposed by the federal government, and whether these were worth examination once the early hysteria had died down.

Copper, gold and nickel explorer Thundelarra has unveiled a raft of new cost savings measures, including staff cutbacks and executive pay cuts, as it seeks to reduce overheads.

Law firm Slater & Gordon has acquired Perth-based law firm Gibson & Gibson, growing the national firm's Western Australian operations by a third.

Iron Ore Holdings is a step closer to kicking off its Iron Valley joint venture with Mineral Resources in the central Pilbara, after receiving approval today from the Department of Mines and Petrol

Andrew Forrest has condemned the naysayers who have declared China's and Australia's economic boom is all but over.

Business News for Western Australia. Thursday August 1. Shanna Crispin reports. Office vacancy rate increases. Perth house prices take a slight fall. Strike Energy raises $9.2 million and more.

The share market has edged higher despite the negative impact of speculation banks could be hit with a deposit levy.

Debt-laden Elders has sold its car interiors business Futuris Automotive to a US private equity firm for $69 million.

Another cut to interest rates may not help the economy, but it won't hurt it either, the boss of National Australia Bank says.

Treated waste water from toilets, showers and washing machines will be pumped back into the state's water system following a three-year trial.