During his two years at Business News, Michael covered public policy issues, with a broad interest in the relationship between business and politics. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Western Australia. michael.ramsey@businessnews.com.au
Australia has been identified as the world's most expensive major economy, with the cost of living in Sydney and Melbourne now greater than in Tokyo, London and New York City.
Biotech company Admedus has completed an oversubscribed $8 million share placement as it looks to push marketing for its CardioCel regenerative tissue product in Europe and the US.
Perth-based private company QCG Resources has announced plans to raise up to $60 million in an initial public offering to fund its purchase of the mothballed Avebury nickel mine in Tasmania.
Perth-based oil and gas services company Coretrack has signed a deal to acquire unlisted fraccing technology developer Ecopropp in an all-scrip transaction worth about $17 million.
The Fremantle Dockers are closer to securing new training facilities in Cockburn with $10 million allocated in yesterday's budget but a pitch for funds by crosstown rivals the West Coast Eagles proved less successful.
Mineral sands explorer Sheffield Resources has raised $11.5 million through a share placement as it works towards completion of a pre-feasibility study at its Thunderbird project.
Former Australian cricketing great Adam Gilchrist has stepped down from the board of sandalwood producer TFS Corporation, citing increasing media commitments.
Treasurer Mike Nahan says the government could generate proceeds of up to $3 billion through the sale of several assets earmarked in the budget as candidates for privatisation.
The government appears to have reacted to pre-budget industry fears by declaring only modest cuts to new housing market entrants' stamp duty concessions, however it still earned the wrath of some industry players.
The Barnett government has trimmed back its record capital works spend further, deferring spending on key infrastructure projects including the Swan Valley Bypass.
Diploma Group has bolstered its order book, securing agreements worth a combined $40 million for the construction of TRG Properties' Empire apartment development at Perry Lakes.
Private equity fund Denham Capital has launched its first Australian mining investment, committing $200 million to newly-formed coal venture Pembroke Resources in a deal spearheaded by the firm's Perth-based mining team.
Kogi Iron chief executive Iggy Tan has stepped down from the role after just nine months as the struggling iron ore hopeful looks to slash costs amid tough times for explorers.
Property firm Charter Hall Group has added to its portfolio of Bunnings stores with a $127 million acquisition of stores in Western Australia and Queensland.
Andrew Forrest has emerged as a surprise backer of Energy and Minerals Australia, taking a major stake in the Perth-based uranium explorer through a much-needed $12 million investment. EMA has also struck a debt-for-equity swap with its noteholders.
Andrew Forrest's Minderoo Group has emerged as the surprise buyer of the state's largest beef processor, Harvey Beef, quashing speculation that the company would be sold to Chinese interests.
Shares in junior explorer Padbury Mining have plunged as the company resumed trade and revealed details of its short-lived $US6.47 billion ($6.89 billion) equity funding deal to construct a port and rail network at Oakajee.
Less than three weeks after announcing it had secured $US6.47 billion ($6.89 billion) in equity funding to construct a port and rail network at Oakajee, junior explorer Padbury Mining says the deal is now dead.
Just one week after announcing prominent company director Samantha Tough as its new chair, clean power company Enerji says Ms Tough has withdrawn her consent to join the company's board.
Energy and Minerals Australia has extended its trade suspension period to almost a month after signalling it has been unable to complete a proposed capital raising.
St John of God Health Care says it has received final approvals for the purchase of Mercy Hospital in Mount Lawley, which will be renamed St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital.
The state government has signed a native title agreement with the Ngarluma people of the Pilbara over land intended for a deepwater port at Anketell Point.
