FIRST Quantum Minerals hopes to get Western Australia's troubled Ravensthorpe nickel mine operating within 18 months. The Canadian copper miner took control of the mine on Wednesday after receiving government approvals.

PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd is expected to visit the Gorgon gas project this week, as the Government keeps its fingers crossed that Wednesday's national accounts will show the Australian economy still growing.

CAMERON SMITH admitted his Queensland mentor Mal Meninga probably had an advantage over Blues and Storm coach Craig Bellamy in that he had only one job to concentrate on, but the Melbourne captain said the club had bigger concerns after another poor away performance against Canberra.

AUSTRALIA'S richest man will attempt to create 50,000 jobs for indigenous people under an ambitious scheme that will shift the emphasis of Aboriginal job creation from government to business..

PERTH could be the next Australian destination for Middle Eastern carrier Etihad Airways.