Russell Quinn

Despite the tough times, there are some positive signs emerging from the WA wine industry.

WESTERN Australian wineries are proving that "variety is the spice of life" as the industry attempts to deal with contracting markets, a falling dollar and increasing costs by introducing new varietals to help excite palates and enhance purchase

MAJOR wineries in the Margaret River region are concerned about the threat that approaching residential populations pose to their operations, raising calls for clarification of planning proposals and regulations in the region.

GLOBAL insurance broker Aon has lost a significant number of its senior management in recent times with some employees jumping ship to join the ranks of key competitors in the insurance broking arena.

AS Western Australian wineries deal with the downturn, there is opportunity for operators to take stock of their business, focus on the areas that need attention and enhance their brand, their bottom line and their chances of survival.

THE rural townsite of Gidgegannup to the north east of Perth is perched for significant expansion if the master plan from property developer, Port Bouvard, lodged last week with the City of Swan and the Western Australian Planning Commission, receives app

THE current condition and future use of the rural rail system across Western Australia as part of the state's grain freight network continues to generate debate, as stakeholders seek a commitment from the government to support the ageing infrastructure.

DESPITE trade volumes falling at Fremantle Port in recent months, complaints about delays at the wharf by members of the Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia (CBFCA) suggest efficiency has not improved as expected.

A NUMBER of top tier law firms agree that Perth has become a significant player on the international stage, regularly leading globally assembled legal teams on large international transactions.

MEMBERS of Perth's legal fraternity have confirmed that while insolvency enquiries have grown, the level of activity in the sector due to the downturn is lower than initially predicted.

THE size of Western Australia's legal practices has fluctuated only mildly during the past 12 months despite the sector's changing dynamics as a result of the economic slowdown.

LEGAL firms are amending their staff management and recruitment plans in light of the economic downturn with confirmation that the true worth of a practice can be found in the quality of its legal professionals.

THE legal landscape in Perth is as dynamic as it has ever been with new market entrants, unexpected mergers and surprise splits making waves in recent months.

Some Perth legal practices are riding out the current economic storm better than others, and it seems size does matter.

HAVING secured a presence in more than 40 countries after operating for just three years, it's not surprising that West Perth-based ITC Global is optimistic about the future, despite the economic downturn.

NEXT time you're at the barber for a haircut or at the salon getting the full treatment there may be a new type of entertainment to compete with the usual small-talk and glossy magazines.

ALMOST all of the failed bidders are pleased with the federal government's surprise decision to set up a company that will build a high-speed national broadband network (NBN), with criticism coming from one failed NBN bidder.

THE Indian Ocean was the great 'silk sea route' Australia's great new frontier and, in many respects, its future, a report launched last week has concluded.

The international education sector is worth almost $840 million to Western Australia and employs more than 2,200 people across the state, according to a new Access Economics report.

THE Australian Tax Office has fired a warning shot at Australia's wine industry, cautioning growers, producers, wholesalers and retailers to act legitimately in light of the examination of two specific tax arrangements.

Sebastien Bouchard has brought some French chic to Mount Street, as Russell Quinn reports.

In another blow to staff at Fairfax Media, one of its regional newspapers, The Golden Mail has closed its doors after 12 years of publishing the weekly newspaper in Kalgoorlie, forcing staff members to seek employment elsewhere.

FREMANTLE Ports has revised its budgets and is closely monitoring current accounts and spending in light of tumbling trade figures and gloomy international forecasts.

SINCE the downturn began engulfing the world's economies late last year, Western Australia's educational institutions have noted significant increases in demand from international students.

Chris Vivian talks to Russell Quinn about his new venture above The Flying Scotsman.

QUEENSLAND banking group Suncorp is stepping up its presence in Western Australia amid a flurry of activity in the sector.

AFTER a third year of summertime daylight saving, Western Australians will go to the polls on May 16 for a referendum to decide whether the state adopts the practice for good.

The export of lead from the seaside town of Esperance has been plagued with controversy in recent times, however the first shipment of lead carbonate will soon be heading to southern China after being stranded at the port for the past two years.

Colin Barnett has shuffled priority infrastructure projects in lieu of the fading economy, but will the changes made now secure WA’s future or lead to further reprioritisation?

HOPES of Perth throwing off its Dullsville tag once and for all have been dashed with the government's belt-tightening and its shift in priorities for key infrastructure projects.

MANY Western Australian ports are either planning, negotiating or constructing additional projects and facilities with the aim of expanding their operations and improving capacity.

THE Royalties for Regions scheme couldn't have come at a better time for the state's rural areas, with the list of infrastructure projects being developed helping cushion the regions from the worst of the economic downturn.