Latest Headlines

Agricultural and forestry fund manager, Great Southern Limited, has recorded lower than expected project sales revenue on the back of legislative uncertainty surrounding non-forestry managed investment schemes, driving its 2007 net profit down 29 per cent

Outgoing defence minister Brendan Nelson has become the third senior Liberal to put up his hand for the party leadership, as Nationals' leader Mark Vaile today joined the former ministers choosing to exit politics.

With Prime Minister-elect Kevin Rudd set to appoint a fresh cabinet, the Real Estate Institute of Australia has renewed calls for the federal government to appoint a dedicated minister for housing.

Western Australia's peak business lobby is seeking certainty from the Prime Minister-elect Kevin Rudd that he will maintain the responsible and effective management of the economy to ensure Western Australia's growth and prosperity continue.

West Perth-based Northern Iron Ltd has aims to raise up to $140 million in its initial public offer to fund acquisitions and exploration over its Sydvaranger Iron project in northern Norway.

Swiss mining group Xstrata plc has reduced the minimum acceptance level in its Jubilee Mines takeover offer from 90 per cent to 50 per cent, after struggling to win acceptances from Jubilee shareholders.

Rudd poised to end AWAs by February; Market expected to be positive after poll; Costello clocks off as Howard's flaws are exposed; Rio Tinto to launch own offensive on BHP bid; Spitfire closes $6m float subscriptions early.

Industry bodies have stated they will work with the new Labor government headed by Kevin Rudd, including the Master Builders Association.  

Western Australia's peak business and employer group, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, congratulates Kevin Rudd and the Labor Party on their election victory.

In the last View from the Arch, Andrew Hobbs wraps up the campaign for John Howard and Kevin Rudd, and casts a brief glace statewards.

Booming iron ore exports have increased its value to the state markedly, notably in royalties which jumped 25 per cent in 2006-07 to hit $851.

Subiaco-based oil and gas explorer Red Fork Energy Ltd has announced plans to raise $10 million through a placement to fast track production at its Oklahoma assets.

Fresh from its rejection of a takeover bid from Fairstar Resources Ltd, Osborne Park-based Golden West Resources Ltd has appointed former Portman Mining managing director Geoff Wedlock as chairman, following John Daniels' retirement.

West Perth-based Murchison Metals Ltd has confirmed its 375 million tonne estimate over the 15-year mine life of its Jack Hills iron ore project, saying in an announcement today that Midwest Corporation Ltd's statements about the project were incorrect.

It's official, Wesfarmers Ltd has become the Western Australia's most valuable company, the state's biggest employer and the nation's biggest retailer with today's implementation of a scheme of arrangement to take over the Coles Group Ltd.

Western Australia's flat white, long black, latte and hot chocolate set have maintained their strong support for the Liberal Party, delivering an espresso shot in the arm for the government the day before the election.

Perth entrepreneur Dean Scook has been sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted in the District Court over a market deception scheme involving shares in a junior explorer in 1998.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan has responded to criticism of State government funding for local raods, saying state budget allocations have grown by an average of 16 per cent each year since 2004-05.

Perth-based BigHill Resources Ltd has today opened its initial public offer, seeking to raise $7 million to fund acquisitions and exploration of its Cookes Creek Tungsten project.

West Perth-based Heron Resources Ltd and Brazilian giant CVRD Inco have approved a budget of $13.8 million for the first half of the prefeasibility study into the Kalgoorlie nickel project.

Mount Pleasant-based Oz Brewing Ltd will acquire a 50.1 per cent stake in Greenwood-based shed builder Shedco and transportable buildings manufacturer Eco Transportables for $5.4 million.

GMA Garnet Pty Ltd stood out last night at Austrade's Australian export awards by taking the first price in the Minerals Council of Australia's Minerals and Energy category.

West Perth-based gold and base metals explorer Artemis Resources Ltd has issued shares worth around $250,000 to consultants in relation to its uranium projects in Niger.

West Perth-based oil and gas explorer Entek Energy Ltd has raised $2.7 million through a placement to replenish its cash resources, the company has announced.

The time is ripe to change leaders: nation's newspapers; Oz Brewing turns to sheds as ale fizzles; Kloppers calms Chinese merger fears; Howarth attacks State over North-West housing shortage; Commonwealth Bank to lift home rates regardless of poll result

The uranium asset spin-out of East Perth-based diamonds explorer North Australian Diamonds Ltd, Top End Uranium Ltd, has closed its initial public offer oversubscribed, the parent company has announced.

Subiaco-based debt collection agency Repcol Ltd has appointed company secretary George Wilson as its managing director ahead of Monday's general meeting, in which the company plans to sell its major assets.

Victoria-based Great Gold Mines NL will acquire Nedlands-based uranium explorer Ellendale Resources NL through a scrip issue, worth over $14 million, the companies have announced.

Nedlands-based LED pixel signage company Lumacom Ltd aims to raise $1.3 million through a non-renounceable entitlements issue of one share for every two held to fund the business and a review of potential acquisitions.

The trial date for the long-running dispute between West Perth-based intellectual property company ipernica Ltd and Sweden-based Ericsson Inc will commence on March 27, with the trial to be split in the WA company's favour.

West Perth-based metals explorer Avanco Resources Ltd plans to raise $4 million in its initial public offer, to fund exploration of its Brazilian projects.

West Perth-based minerals explorer India Resources Ltd has completed a placement, raising $2.2 million through the issue of 11 million shares at 20 cents each.