Former WA MP James Hayward will spend at least 16 and a half months behind bars for sexually abusing a girl aged between six and eight.

The ASX200 has gained a modest 0.3 per cent, led higher by consumer discretionary, technology and mining.

Consumer sentiment is still very low although mortgage holders have curiously regained some confidence ahead of the Reserve Bank's next cash rate decision.

The Pilbara’s iron ore miners have been left waiting longer than expected for their emissions-busting battery electric locomotives to arrive.

The power plant which supported Kalgoorlie during last week’s power outage was in 2023 rejected by the state government in favour of its own facility which tripped when it was needed.