Works to cost $171m

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.

Rudd to use gas venture to talk up the economy

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.

Smith defends besieged coach Bellamy

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.

Forrest's Plan To Create 50,000 Jobs For Aborigines

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..

Etihad Has Eye On Perth

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

Union Wants Money, Jobs For Carbon Reduction

A UNION representing coal and power industry workers is demanding proceeds from the Government's emissions trading be invested in renewable energy to create new jobs to replace those that will be lost.

Kings Not Gonna Take Perth's Wild Tactics Anymore - Goorjian

BRIAN GOORJIAN feels a little like Peter Finch's character, Howard Beale, in the classic 1976 movie Network. He's "as mad as hell" and so are his players, and the Sydney Kings coach wants them to stay exactly that way for tonight's sudden-death semi-final decider against Perth at the Entertainment Centre.

Pup That Wouldn't Go Walkies Wants To Clear The Air

AFTER farewelling glamour girlfriend Lara Bingle at Sydney Airport yesterday, Test batsman Michael Clarke flew to Perth for the resumption of hostilities between Australia and India.

Gutbusta Rhymes

Aaron Timms is glad hip-hop provides jobs for overweight men.

Of Elephants And Ear Wax

First Jo Beth Taylor was down; now she's doing the dirty jobs, writes Bridget McManus.

We've Had It Back To Front: Corica

SYDNEY playmaker Steve Corica says it will be the responsibility of the entire team - and not just the defence - to take the heat off goalkeeper Matthew Nash when he makes his A-League debut against the Glory in Perth tomorrow.

Why India May Save Sydney

COULD India's economic ascension do for Sydney what China's boom has done for Perth?

Union Lets Fly As Singair Reveals Plan To Cut Jobs

SINGAPORE Airlines' campaign to gain access to the Sydney to Los Angeles route has come under attack after it said this week it planned to sack 10 per cent of its Australian workforce.

Alinta Axes Macbank Over Conflict Rift

MACQUARIE Bank has been sacked as Alinta's adviser and its role in a proposed management buy-out is in doubt after the bank refused to endorse conditions imposed by the Perth energy company on managing a conflict of interest.

Macquarie Bank, You're Dumped!

MACQUARIE Bank has been sacked as Alinta's adviser and its role in a proposed management buyout is in doubt after the bank refused to endorse conditions imposed by the Perth energy company on managing a conflict of interest.

Perth Tests Treated Sewage For Drinking

PERTH will try using recycled sewage for drinking water in its latest bid to combat the effects of the drought.

Boom? So Why Not Go Shopping

Market's making records, jobs are easy to get and ... or are they?

Fistful Of Dollars For Workers To Wing It West

SEAN WHITEHILL woke at his grandparents' Coffs Harbour home yesterday, fixed his nan's blinds, then flew to Perth to start a new life in the west's building boom.

Fistful Of Dollars For Workers To Wing West

SEAN WHITEHILL woke at his grandparents' Coffs Harbour home yesterday, fixed his nan's blinds, then flew to Perth to start a new life in the west's building boom.

Stop Delhi Bellyaching - Offshoring Is Good For You

AS MANY as 50,000 Australian jobs could be sent offshore, mostly to India, as banks look to slash costs, the Financial Sector Union of Australia estimates.