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Howard promises "right leadership", Rudd "new leadership"; CBH makes big step in shipping sector; Investors preparing for six weeks of uncertainty; Pratt under public scrutiny on price-fixing; Nine and Fox bid record $117m for 2010 and 2012 Olympics right

As the ALP's Robert McClelland had his black armband torn off and the Prime Minister prepared to sport a grey one, WA's CCC euthanised some careers, rail lines were in a coma and voters still don't know how long they have left.

Welshpool-based gold explorer Mineral Commodities Ltd's has commenced legal action against Perth-based ProMet Engineers Pty Ltd, claiming the project managers failed to work towards the building of a diamond pan plant at its Sierra Leone Oversize Tailings

West Perth-based gold explorer Goldstar Resources NL has increased the value of a placement to investors after an Australian funds manager signed on to take 2.5 million shares at 43 cents each, raising $1.1 million.

Perth-based plastic tie fastening company Millipede International Ltd has completed a rights issue worth $1.5 million after underwriter Novus Capital subscribed for 85 per cent of shares offered.

Shareholders in Nedlands-based Dioro Exploration NL have approved the acquisition of Harmony Gold Mines Ltd's South Kalgoorlie Mining Operations as well plans to spin-off of its nickel holdings, list on the Toronto Stock Exchange and raise $70 million.

South Perth-based Pure Energy Resources Ltd has been named the preferred tenderer for two Queensland coal seam gas permits, and will hold both the CSG and rights on granting of the permits, the company has announced.

Perth biotechnology company Imugene Ltd has received notice of grant for patent protection for its Porcine Adenoviral Delivery Vector technology in the United States of America, the company has announced.

Perth-based metals explorer Tasman Resources NL will raise up to $2.5 million through a non-renounceable rights issue to shareholders on a one for ten basis, the company has announced.

South Perth-based energy company Aviva Corporation Ltd will raise $21 million through a placement of 30 million shares at 70 cents each for feasibility studies on coal projects in Western Australia and Botswana.

West Perth-based Jabiru Metals Ltd has refinanced a major debt facility of $US40 million, releasing Consolidated Minerals Ltd from a guarantee it had provided for the original loan.

West Perth-based metals explorer Reed Resources Ltd has raised $16.2 million through a placement, with plans to complete a definitive feasibility study on its Barrambie vanadium project and advance future project development.

Midwestplays down relationship with Sinosteel; re-elected Howard would call referendum to recognise indigenous; $133.5b worth of Boeing delayed; best job figures could bring interest rate increase; WA mining leader says the state is asleep at the wheel

East Perth-based Macmahon Holdings Ltd has joined Standard & Poor's All Australian 200 index, after Centro Shopping America Trust was removed from the list after merging with Centro Retail Trust.

Perth's housing market is staging a modest recovery with the median house price reaching $460,000 in the September quarter and tipped to keep rising until the New Year according to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.

Shares in nickel miner Sally Malay Mining Ltd closed up 7.3 per cent to $5.27 after the company announced a significant upgrade in reserves for its Lanfranchi joint venture project, south of Kambalda.

Brian Ellis, who replaced former Liberal MLC Margaret Rowe in the Western Australian Legislative Council in June this year, will take over the role of Shadow Minister for the Mid West next week, the State Liberals have announced.

Woodside Energy Ltd has extended its contract with West Perth-based IT infrastructure services provider ComputerCorp Ltd for another 12 months, the company has announced.

The Australian share market closed at fresh peaks today, after global miners BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto and other resources stocks headed higher.

Confirming the suspicions of many in the industry, a pre-existing wine oversupply and a strong dollar put pressure on the profits of smaller wineries in 2005-06, according to a survey by Deloitte and the Winemakers' Federation of Australia

Hamilton Hill-based barramundi producer Cell Aquaculture Ltd has acquired the remaining 50 per cent stake in Cell Aquaculture Netherlands BV, buying out former European chief executive Harrie Rutgers.

West Perth-based Ausron Ltd, which plans to become a financial services technology provider under the name Rubik Financial Ltd, has completed a capital raising of $25 million, subject to shareholder approval.

West Perth-based mineral explorer EnviroGold Ltd has announced plans to raise $16 million through a placement to develop its 70 per cent owned Las Lagunas Gold Tailings Project in the Dominican Republic.

South Perth-based uranium explorer Extract Resources Ltd will list on the Toronto Stock Exchange from October 22, the company announced today.

The State Government has allocated $2.4 million to UnitingCare West's HomeConnect housing service, which helps secure affordable rental accommodation for at-risk families.

Perth-based biotechnology company Stirling Products Ltd has extended a technology development agreement with UK-based Merial Ltd until the end of March 2008, the company has announced.

West Perth-based base metals explorer Liontown Resources Ltd will raise $3.2 million through a placement, the comapny has announced.

Perth-based petroleum player Samson Oil and Gas Ltd has raised $3.4 million through a placement, with funds to be spent on exploration of its US oil and gas projects.

West Perth-based gold explorer Goldstar Resources NL will place 9.5 million shares to investors, raising $4.1 million to help it complete a feasibility study on its Eureka project.

Murchison opens $938m bid for Midwest; World economy to be tested by the recent credit squeeze; QLD launches $654m rail funding; construction market plummets in August; Gorgon project granted environmental approval.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive John Langoulant has called on people found guilty of misconduct in the Corruption and Crime Commission's Smiths Beach report to resign in the Chamber's response to yesterday's hearing.

Westralia Property Trust Ltd has unveiled a strategic shift into the rural sector, with plans to buy land from its 49-per-cent-shareholder Futuris Corporation Ltd as it exits its current tourism portfolio.