Colin Barnett

BN 25th Anniversary series- WA has been slow to introduce private ownership to some state industries, although a series of moves during the Court era generated benefits, according to one prominent WA economist.

While Bob Carr’s new book may be criticised by some within Labor ranks, it contains some timely advice for politicians of all hues.

Opinion: Despite taking on the unenviable job of opposition leader after a huge election defeat, Mike Nahan is still making his voice heard.

Opinion: A federal Labor government would change the political dynamic between Canberra and WA for the better, but all relationships need careful management.

Opinion: Having made solid progress in reducing its budget deficit, the pressure is on the state government to introduce structural economic reform.

ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL: A boom-bust economic cycle and wrangles over GST funding are two of the challenges to have faced WA’s political leaders over the past 25 years. This article is part of a special series to mark Business News' 25-year anniversary.

Colin Barnett, Carmen Lawrence and Jennifer Lawrence are among the high profile names appointed to the UWA Public Policy Institute’s international advisory board today.

WA Super has announced it will invest $20 million in the WA Impact Fund, as part of its membership of the newly founded Impact Investment Alliance of WA.

Perth and Shanghai have developed dramatically in recent decades, and former premier Colin Barnett says a strong relationship between WA and China has enabled the state’s success.

OPINION: The state’s electoral redistribution commissioners shouldn’t expect Christmas cards from opposition leader Liza Harvey, former Labor minister Margaret Quirk or the first-term member for Joondalup, Emily Hamilton.

OPINION: The public sector workforce is growing again, having been cut to streamline state expenditure amid the McGowan government’s budget repair efforts.

An in-depth analysis of the re-emerging case for a west-east gas pipeline, which could provide a demand source for projects like Equus.

As his final year in parliament wraps up, Mike Nahan reflects on his passion for free-market values, a guiding force during his time as state treasurer.

The state opposition has doubled down on its commitment to extend Roe Highway, throwing plans for a new, land-backed port in Kwinana into doubt.

With about 13 weeks until the state election, can a 33-year-old first-term MP defy the odds and become Australia’s youngest serving premier?

A former adviser to Colin Barnett and friend of Basil Zempilas has been picked to fill a key corporate communications role at the City of Perth.

Ahead of the state election, Mark McGowan spoke to Business News about his track record, future plans and ministerial team.

An aggressive switch to green energy and manufacturing is the boldest economic policy of the state election campaign, though the promise has many challenges.

The path ahead for Premier Mark McGowan will be a challenging one, writes Simon Withers.

Premier Mark McGowan said today he was taking the treasury portfolio to head off a challenge to WA’s GST deal but strongly hinted the role would be temporary.

With resources royalties high and the economy booming, WA’s business and political leaders have an opportunity to learn from past mistakes.

Where will dozens of departing members of state parliament find themselves in the months ahead?

The racing industry hoped a land deal at Belmont Park would create a $4 billion precinct, but 10 years later it sits empty.

Former federal attorney general Christian Porter will not recontest the seat of Pearce at the federal election next year.

Bethesda’s $60m Cockburn facility to grow to 75 beds.

Bankwest has told staff it plans a major shift in strategy, with its entire business banking operation to be shifted to parent company Commonwealth Bank.

The Australian Nursing Federation's Mark Olson calls time on a 24-year reign.

Former premier Colin Barnett believes it's time to bite the bullet and demolish the South Fremantle Power Station in the wake of another failed bid to redevelop the 1951 building.

Political editor Gary Adshead talks about the array of views he encountered in the course of writing about Fremantle Bridge.

Western Australians deserve a seat at the table when debating how Australia should engage with China.

Over three decades, the state's energy system has gone greener and more private investment has been welcomed.

WA’s 29th premier reflects on how politics and public debate have evolved over the past 30 years.

Former premier Colin Barnett, scientists Carol Bower and David Blacker and mining executive Philip Crabb are among the 112 Western Australians recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List for 2023.

Energy Minister Reece Whitby has reiterated the state government's commitment to renewable energy.

A greenfields suburb once dubbed the ‘‘Cottesloe of the north’’ is back on the development agenda in Karratha, 13 years after a contract to build it was awarded.

Former WA premier Colin Barnett has foreshadowed a federal raid to take over the state's mining industry and backed construction of a gas pipeline to the east coast.

The professionalism of unions is the greatest challenge facing the Liberal Party, according to former WA premier Colin Barnett.

State election staffing fell 3,000 personnel short of the workforce requirements originally set for it by the Western Australian Electoral Commission.

Our weekly appointments wrap includes Narelle Cant, Mark Paganin, Steve McGuire, Ashley Reade, Simon Price, Darren Rodwell and Joe Jeevaraj.