Mark My Words April 10 2026

·33 min·3 clips

WA home completions hit a two-year low amid a housing crisis, while specialist electricians at BHP plan the first major Pilbara strike in 30 years.

The episode opens with hosts Mark Pownall and Sam Jones previewing topics including housing data, Pilbara industrial action, and the fuel crisis. They first examine WA home completions, which have reached a two-year low and declined for four consecutive quarters, though approvals are up and WA is tracking better than other states toward the National Housing Accord target. Next, they discuss industrial action by specialist electricians at BHP in the Pilbara, marking the first major union-backed action at a major mine operator in 30 years, with demands including transparent pay adjustments and recognition of travel time. The conversation shifts to Paul Hanna's plan to redevelop the derelict El Cabello Blanco resort into a Spanish-themed site with a hydroponics innovation hub and wellness center, following past controversies involving indigenous housing and court disputes. Property deals are highlighted, including ECU's $72 million purchase of a nine-story office building in King's Square and the $110 million redevelopment of Perth Girls School into student towers. A segment covers a listed software firm pivoting to develop online gaming technology for the US and Canadian markets, using a sweepstakes model similar to VGW, with John Poynton involved as an advisor. Purpose Ventures' investment in a UK-based hardware startup founded by Perth entrepreneurs is noted, focusing on specialized keyboards for software engineers. The episode concludes with Gary Adshead analyzing the fuel crisis, detailing government efforts to secure supplies, potential emergency powers, and an investigation into Berk Fuel over allegations of selling lower-grade fuel as premium.

As heard by us

A brisk WA briefing that ties housing pressure to East Perth development and the wider fuel row.

Mark My Words stays focused on WA business and politics, starting with housing data that points to WA home completions at a two-year low before moving through Pilbara industrial action, a new development at Alcabello Blanco, ECU buying city property, and ADC's East Perth…

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Why you'd press play

WA housing, East Perth towers, and a fuel row in one weekly briefing.

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