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Angie James-Wallace and Jacintha Fraser-Gillard shopping during Black Friday sales last month.

EconomyCommentsPremiumBlack Friday fades to grey as WA shoppers feel the squeeze

West Aussies spent big on electric appliances and at department stores during last month’s Black Friday sales, new data shows, but year-on-year comparisons reveal a drop in the number of shoppers.

Cheyanne Enciso

The RBA is uncomfortable about inflation, governor Michele Bullock says, dashing homeowners' hopes.

EconomyCommentsBig bank dumps hopes of rate cuts in 2026

Westpac has ditched hopes for two interest rate cuts in 2026 and now expects the Reserve Bank to remain on hold through the new year.

Matt Mckenzie

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

Federal BudgetCommentsChalmers to post $36.8b deficit amid spending cuts

Treasurer Jim Chalmers will on Wednesday unveil a slightly smaller than anticipated Budget deficit in a mid-year update expected to feature major spending cuts and rising revenue.

Matt Mckenzie

It’s a major call for the lender, which has since the pandemic largely had softer forecasts on interest rates than most other observers.

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EconomyComments
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Big banks make shock call for Aussie borrowers in new year

These two financial giants forecast the Reserve Bank will need to act soon as the national economy performs better than expected.

Matt Mckenzie

RBA Governor Michele Bullock.

EconomyWhy your next overseas trip might be a little cheaper

Aussie travellers are likely to get a boost as a widening split between the Reserve Bank and US Fed should push the local currency higher. 

Matt Mckenzie

NewsWire Photos: RBA Governor Michele Bullock gives a statement after the RBA's Monetary Policy Decision to keep interest rates on hold on Tuesday. NewsWire / Christian Gilles

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EconomyComments
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Unemployment rate steady despite dip in jobs growth

Australia’s jobless rate remained steady at 4.3 per cent in November despite a wave of workers exiting the market, in new figures unlikely to spark alarm for the Reserve Bank.

Matt Mckenzie

Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

EconomyChalmers hopes for investment wave to drive recovery

Treasurer Jim Chalmers is banking on a business investment boom to aid Australia’s shift away from government spending as the dominant driver of economic activity.

Matt Mckenzie

Premier Roger Cook and Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.

ManufacturingCommentsPremiumSamsung in talks about WA modular home factory

Korean giant Samsung C&T has been in talks with the State Government this week weighing up an investment into a modular housing factory in Western Australia.

Matt Mckenzie

RBA Governor Michele Bullock during a press conference on Tuesday following the decision to keep interest rates on hold at 3.6 per cent.

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Interest ratesComments
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No Christmas cheers as RBA ends year on hold

Michele Bullock has slammed the door shut on further mortgage relief, admitting the Reserve Bank is “uncomfortable” about inflation as it held interest rates steady on Tuesday.

Matt Mckenzie

RBA governor Michele Bullock.

EconomyCommentsHold widely tipped amid fierce debate over next move

Families with mortgage relief on their Christmas wish-list will almost certainly be left disappointed on Tuesday with Reserve Bank boss Michele Bullock to signal whether a dreaded hike looms in the new year.

Matt Mckenzie

Gold prices have surged this year.

EconomyCommentsPremiumWA delivers as hot run for gold boosts Aussie trade surplus

Gold’s record run has driven a bigger national trade surplus in October and Western Australia once again dominated as the country’s export powerhouse.

Matt Mckenzie

RBA governor Michele Bullock.

RBAPremiumBig-spending households boost bets of an RBA rate hike

Australia’s household spending handily surpassed expectations in October to post its biggest increase since January 2024, boosting the case for an interest rate hike next year.

Nasteho Said

Port Pirie Smelter

EconomyStrike threat looms for bailout plant

Workers at Nyrstar’s troubled Port Pirie smelter in South Australia have voted to strike just months after the plant scored a big taxpayer-funded bailout.

Matt Mckenzie

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

EconomyCommentsTighter spending could help fend off risk of rate rises

The Federal Government has been warned to rein in spending and lay off the power bill rebates or it will worsen the risk of interest rate hikes hitting homeowners next year.

Matt Mckenzie

Perth Park (Burswood) redevelopment. An artist’s impression of the planned Perth Park, including ampitheatre and tracks, at Burswood.

EconomyPremiumIt’s fast and furious but not flawless for race track plan

A showdown is looming over the Burwsood race track’s business case amid concerns the economic impact was significantly overstated. 

Matt Mckenzie

The return of high inflation means the backyard barbecue, fish and chips by the beach and an ice-cream after a swim have become unaffordable luxuries.

WA NewsCommentsPremiumCrushing inflation puts summer holidays under threat

The return of high inflation means the backyard barbecue, fish and chips by the beach and an ice-cream after a swim have become unaffordable luxuries.

Stephen Johnson

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 29: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined by Labor Candidate for Griffith, Renee Coffey (L) and Treasurer, Jim Chalmers (R) visit a soon to be completed housing project in the suburb of Stones Corner in the electorate of Griffith on April 29, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. The project will deliver 82 new social and affordable homes (50 social and 32 affordable). These homes are funded under Housing Australia’s Affordable Housing Bond Aggregator and the National Housing Infrastructure Facility, which was expanded by Labor. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

EconomyPremiumCash splash on tech a sign economy is on the rebound

A big lift in business investment driven by a technology boom will help drive an economic recovery but adds to warnings the next move on interest rates will be upwards.

Matt Mckenzie

Boxing Day sales at Westfield Carousel.

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EconomyPremium
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Where Perth families are paying more as inflation rebounds

Rising school fees, rents and meat prices are adding pressure on Perth families as the city suffers the second-worst inflation in the country.

Matt Mckenzie

Hip-Hop fan Jim Chalmers Illustration: Don Lindsay

Herd on the TerracePremiumIt’s Wayne’s World of excellent bonuses

Gold miners are printing money but shareholders of Westgold Resources must be feeling a little thrifty. Plus: Jim Chalmers reveals he’s a fan of hip hop.

Australians could pay up $7 a cup, as soaring supply costs grind businesses

EconomyComments$7 coffees? Cafés say price trouble is brewing

Some of Australia’s biggest coffee wholesalers and restaurant operators say an inflation shock means they make no profit on $5.50 coffees and prices will need to rise again in 2026.

Tom Richardson

The State’s output increased 1.3 per cent through the 12 months to June — ranking third in the country, with builders, farmers and healthcare among the strongest industries.

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EconomyPremium
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Why West Aussies may not feel better off as economy grows

New figures have sparked debate over the strength of WA’s economy, as rapid population growth drives activity and the average person goes backwards.

Matt Mckenzie

Treasurer Jim Chalmers speaks at the CCI breakfast at Ritz Carlton.

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EconomyCommentsPremium
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Report to kick off GST fight looms within weeks

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has revealed the Productivity Commission will within weeks release a discussion paper on the GST, which will fire the starting gun on WA’s fight to keep a fair share.

Matt Mckenzie

Billionaire Sanjeev Gupta is in prime position to win from a $75m State Government manufacturing fund just months after his Whyalla Steelworks collapsed — all with the help of Alannah MacTiernan.

EconomyPremiumSteel imports spark ‘Made in WA’ local content fight

There are demands for more scrutiny over the “Made in WA” label after Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson acknowledged the State imports all its steel.

Matt Mckenzie

CBA chief executive Matt Comyn

EconomicsCommentsCommBank CEO: Aussies borrowing too much, no rate cut coming

Matt Comyn said a home-borrowing binge driving up property prices is bad for economic stability and social harmony, warning Aussies to prepare for 12 months of no interest rate cuts.

Tom Richardson