Latest Headlines

After welcoming Chinese investors to the Kimberley region, the Western Australian government is pitching the state's agribusiness opportunities to Vietnam and Thailand.

West Perth-based junior Avanco Resources has secured agreement for a $US12 million royalty-based investment deal with major resources investor BlackRock World Mining Trust.

Explosives and chemicals manufacturer Orica has appointed former Macmahon Holdings managing director Nick Bowen as executive global head, mining services.

A trial involving Gina Rinehart, her children and a multi-billion dollar family trust fund has been delayed for several hours as a new trustee is appointed.

Five "super growth" industries could boost the national economy by $250 billion over the next 20 years.

Diploma Group has commenced construction on a new $32 million, 86-apartment development in West Perth.

Mining magnate Andrew Forrest will head up a federal government-initiated review into indigenous employment and training programs.

The Australian dollar is trading sideways amid growing concerns about the looming US debt ceiling deadline.

CHINA'S economy is perking up. The latest data suggest growth has bottomed after hitting a trough of 7.5 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of the year.

Gold prices have climbed as jitters over the continued US budget stalemate fanned interest in the haven asset.

US stocks have finished lower as a partial US government shutdown entered its second week with no sign of resolution.

Andrew Forrest's philanthropic efforts are as restless as the iron ore magnate himself. Recent changes appear to be part of a restructuring of his various private and charitable interests under the new brand of Minderoo.

The house of review needs a review of its own, but getting bipartisan agreement on the best way forward will be difficult.

KBR is believed to have committed to office space in the third tower at Leighton Properties' Kings Square project alongside one of its key clients, Shell.

Fortescue Metals Group will go to the WA Supreme Court to challenge the Economic Regulation Authority's decision to allow third-party access to FMG's Pilbara railway.

Commodity price falls have driven local stocks lower despite the release of positive jobs numbers.

Greens WA senator Scott Ludlam is expected to find out mid-week whether his bid for a recount of senate votes is successful.

The state government will team up with Woodside Petroleum and Curtin University to develop two new specialist training facilities in the Pilbara as it encourages more people to live and work in the region.

In the space of a year, Nicolle Jenkins has grown her agency, The Hub Marketing Communications, from seven staff to 10, written a book about mothers and daughters, joined two boards and lobbied for small business at the recent state and federal elections.

Numerous charity groups hold annual fund-raising balls, but few if any can match the longevity and success of the Ronald McDonald House Charities Ball.

Jobs growth in September is not expected to have been strong enough to bring the unemployment rate down from its four-year high.

Live jazz, soul and blues complement the food and drinks at a new city venue.

Curtin University has named Deborah Terry as its next vice-chancellor, replacing the outgoing Jeanette Hacket.

Antares Energy has raised $10 million from institutional investors towards drilling activity at its Northern Star project in West Texas.

Subiaco-based miner Attila Resources says it is fully funded to move towards a final development decision on its Kodiak coking coal project following the completion of a $7 million capital raising.

Bill Shorten wants to develop a national rehabilitation strategy to ensure injured workers and people on disability pensions can get back to work.

Woodside Petroleum has started up its $5 billion North Rankin redevelopment project and exported its first gas to the Karratha gas plant.

Forge Group has won more than $50 million in asset management contracts in the space of four months as it looks to grow its presence in North America.

The share market has opened flat, with little to prompt investors as several Australian states enjoy the Labour Day public holiday.

Interim Labor leader Chris Bowen says the series of revelations about Prime Minister Tony Abbott and four other MPs claiming around $20,000 in travel expenses shows a pattern of poor judgement.

Energy chiefs anticipate a major industry shakeup in the decade ahead as more shale gas and renewable power becomes available.

US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew has warned that Congress is "playing with fire" as Republicans raise the threat of a US default if President Barack Obama refuses to negotiate on spending.