Latest Headlines

AN increase in iron ore prices of 71.5 per cent this year has added a massive incentive to second-tier iron ore producers/explorers in Western Australia, particularly those in the Mid-West.

With a review of Western Australia's public infrastructure concluding it is generally superior to other states, the Gallop Government is spending $4.7 billion this year to try and keep it that way.

The planned visit by the Rainbow Warrior to Fremantle at the weekend did little to stir passions that I could note – having not been in the port city or caught the news – but it did get me thinking about where the environmental debate was heading.

During the past fortnight Australians have again been subjected to what some are calling the Johnny and Pete show.

The name Glenn Wheeler will ring a bell for those who have been around Perth's business scene a while.

TELSTRA is the classic example of why business and government don't mix. The current furore over the telco's new and outspoken leadership team is all politically driven, despite criticism of some management for talking down the price of the stock.

With Labor leader Kim Beazley registering poor polling ratings it's little wonder discomfort is showing across Labor ranks.

It's a brave or foolish man prepared to criticise, however mildly, a company that has just reported the biggest profit in Australian business history.

The release of 100 lots at Capricorn Village, part of the $20 billion St Andrews project, marks a new phase in the plan to develop a satellite city for 150,000 people north of Perth.

The University of Western Australia's new $45 million business school is a striking departure from the traditional architecture commonly found on university campuses.

The wine judged the best at the 2005 Sheraton Wine Awards wouldn't have been entered for the competition if its maker had gotten his way.

While spring, for some, is a time of rebirth, fresh starts and new directions, for others this time of year heralds the start of a gastronomical adventure that only gets better as the months get warmer.

As the wine awards shows get closer, winemakers are increasingly reminded of the financial incentives involved with success.

PERTH'S biggest market research and marketing agency, Market Equity, has been bought by Synovate, a subsidiary of London-based Aegis Group plc, for a reported $28 million.Market Equity was establis

Rising costs somewhat dampen the enthusiasm that surrounds a significant increase in exploration expenditure by listed juniors in the June 2005 quarter.

Intierra's regular quarterly survey of junior exploration companies (non-producers) has confirmed another strong quarter.

With so much interest in the booming resources sector it is easy to understand the raft of junior explorers keen to etch their name on the Australian Stock Exchange board.

A shortage of suitable exploration land and expertise have meant mineral explorers and producers alike have had to find ways around obstacles to project development.

Western Australia is losing its share of global investment in mineral exploration, according to Association of Mining & Exploration Companies CEO Justin Walawski.

The world's two biggest mining companies – BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto – feature prominently in the survey of Western Australia's biggest employers.

Changing employee demands and a tight labour market are putting strains on human resource departments at many of Western Australia's large companies and government departments.

The departments of education and training and health are by far the biggest employers in Western Australia, outstripping all private sector employers.

Tension between Canberra and the states has long been a feature of Australia's federation but the issue has descended to a level that is causing serious concern.

Every John, Liz, David and Janet is getting into the act. All are opposing the best thing that's to happen to young Australians since Otto Rohwedder developed sliced bread in 1928.

If you are being tempted to play the new investment game sweeping Australia and dabble in a hedge fund investment, think again.

The hottest ice cream experience available at the moment is found at Fremantle's The Gelato Company. But it's not ice cream, it's Italian gelato, traditional style; and there is a world of difference.

The Globe at the Hilton will host the Challenge of the Winemakers long-table dinner on September 23.

Australian winemakers must do more to secure their position as leaders in the wine export market, according to several speakers at the recent ANZ Australian Wine Marketing Conference, held in Adelaide.

While government and private industry emphasise the importance of affordable housing, the best model for delivering affordability remains unclear.

The Accor Hotel Group is continuing its expansion into the Western Australian market with the four-star Sanctuary Golf Resort in Bunbury joining Accor's All Seasons brand.

Research by WA Business News has identified the biggest employers in Western Australia and found the growth of those at the top continues unabated.

Nickel developer Western Areas is scheduling production by the middle of next year after already rewarding shareholders who have been in the stock for as little as two months.