Business · 22 Oct 2026
A proposed off-grid renewable energy precinct in the Kimberley that includes a 1GW data centre and 6.7GW of generation capacity, valued at $41 billion, has been formally referred for federal environmental assessment. The referral begins the project’s assessment under national environment law and marks a significant step for the large-scale regional development.
Property · 22 Oct 2026
Water infrastructure upgrades are expected to open land in Perth's western suburbs for residential development, timed with a new $250m facility to support apartments and townhouses. The move comes alongside other regional projects, including a $37m water plant for Kimberley communities and a $97m theatre redevelopment, highlighting a busy period for WA construction and planning.
Business · 22 Oct 2026
Ben Palmer, the former head of GESB, will lead a new infrastructure-focused division at Affinity Capital Group, signalling fresh private-sector attention to WA projects. The move comes as local executives and investors lean on specialised WA intelligence tools such as Data & Insights to track opportunities and risks.
Markets · 21 Oct 2026
The Nasdaq closed ahead of other US indices after a market lift tied to SpaceX developments, helping push Wall Street to a firmer finish. Australian investors with exposure to US technology and aerospace names will be watching for follow-through as global sentiment shifts.
Markets · 21 Oct 2026
US markets rose after strong quarterly reports from SpaceX, Tesla and other firms, while Meta was ordered to pay $US25 billion in a New Mexico privacy ruling. The ASX is expected to open flat as investors digest earnings, legal risk and stronger AUD trade at US70.28¢.
Markets · 21 Oct 2026
France is confronting rising borrowing costs, deep political uncertainty and street unrest that together threaten a self‑reinforcing fiscal crisis. With government debt near 120% of GDP and interest payments set to exceed €90 billion next year, investors and voters are pulling in opposite directions, leaving centrist leaders squeezed ahead of a crucial presidential vote.
Small business · 21 Oct 2026
A head chef who drank while working at a high‑end Sydney omakase restaurant has been awarded $11,753.84 after the Fair Work Commission found his dismissal harsh and procedurally unfair. The decision highlights risks for small hospitality businesses using informal pay and employment arrangements.
ASX · 21 Oct 2026
The ASX finished marginally higher after a volatile session, buoyed by bank strength but hit by a sharp sell-off in data centre operator NextDC. RBA deputy governor warnings about a worsening inflation outlook pushed traders to price a higher chance of a November rate move, lifting expectations of earlier further hikes.
Business · 21 Oct 2026
Manhattan Gold’s first-ever drilling at Hook Lake in Nunavut has returned multiple high-grade gold intercepts at its Jaws prospect and a substantial copper–gold–zinc–silver hit at a new Spectre target, expanding the project’s potential to a multi-kilometre discovery. The 25-hole, 4,592-metre program has extended known mineralisation and left key assays pending as the company plans further testing and an expanded 2027 season.
Business · 21 Oct 2026
Ben Roberts‑Smith has launched a coordinated publicity campaign this week that includes a new clothing label and a long‑form interview on 2GB, amid preparations to fight five counts of war crimes murder charges. The appearance, a 150‑minute interview to be premiered on YouTube, forms part of a broader push that has drawn high‑profile backers and raised questions about the effect of publicity on his legal proceedings.
Business · 21 Oct 2026
Fortescue Metals Group has terminated a senior executive after an independent MinterEllison investigation substantiated sexual harassment and bullying claims. The Perth-based iron ore giant, Australia’s third-largest miner, also faces a Federal Court class action alleging widespread misconduct at its Pilbara operations.
Business · 21 Oct 2026
Locksley Resources has established an operations hub at Tottenham and begun detailed re‑logging and metallurgical work as it prepares a staged 15,500‑metre drilling campaign across its 1,000‑square‑kilometre Greater Tottenham copper‑gold district. The company is finalising permits and a drill rig contract for initial programs at Iron Duke and other priority prospects while completing independent resource estimates for Tottenham and Iron Duke.
Business · 21 Oct 2026
Red Metal has begun six‑metre column leach testwork at its Sybella rare‑earths deposit in northwest Queensland to simulate commercial heap‑leach conditions and de‑risk processing ahead of a planned DFS. The programme targets recoveries, acid consumption and kinetics for the company’s 4.795‑billion‑tonne inferred resource, with a PFS due early next year.
ASX · 21 Oct 2026
Orbit Resources has visually logged 11.8 metres of massive and semi-massive sulphides at its Lewis Ponds project in NSW’s Lachlan Fold Belt, including a standout 3.55‑metre section estimated at 50% massive sulphides. Core is being prepared for assays due in the December quarter as the company advances drilling, metallurgical work and a spin‑out IPO for its rare earths asset.