AAP

A plan to allow Australia's renewable energy agency to invest in non-renewable technologies has been shot down in the Senate.

Premier Mark McGowan has urged NSW to take stronger measures to crush a worsening coronavirus outbreak, having slammed shut WA's border.

Woolworths will write-down the value of 13 of its CBD stores by about $50 million as they struggle for sales with fewer office workers nearby.

The Reserve Bank appears to be sticking to its interest rate view for now, as new figures show a record trade surplus and continuing strong demand for workers.

Deputy Nationals leader David Littleproud has denied striking a secret succession plan deal to replace Barnaby Joyce in the future.

Western Australia could soon remove quarantine requirements for Victorians but a coronavirus outbreak in NSW is being closely monitored.

Investors have had their best day on the ASX since March and regained most of Monday's losses after US financial leaders eased concerns about higher interest rates.

Barnaby Joyce has warned Australian freedom could be challenged as China rises, with a more uncertain outlook for regional peace.

The Nationals are open to discussing the prime minister's preference for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, but they want to square the ledger for the regions.

Stocks have had their worst day in more than four weeks on the Australian market as investors began believing warnings of higher rates in a year or two.

The Commonwealth Bank is offloading its general insurance business to the Hollard Group, which will then sell home and vehicle insurance to CBA customers.

Barnaby Joyce will return as the deputy prime minister after defeating Michael McCormack in a Nationals leadership spill.

Finance Minister Simon Birmingham has declared it is crucial to strive towards achieving net zero carbon emissions.

Shares on the ASX had their fifth consecutive week of gains - the best run this year - and ended the week at a record closing high.

Australia is expecting a short-term slowdown in its already sluggish coronavirus vaccine rollout after new advice on the AstraZeneca jab.

A third of Western Australian aged care workers would quit the industry if forced to get COVID-19 vaccinations, according to a new survey.

Woolworths is facing legal action for allegedly underpaying managers, with the workplace watchdog hunting more than $710,000 in outstanding back pay

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has denied newly passed superannuation laws will trap millions of Australians in dud products, branding backlash as "scare tactics".

Facebook is tightening its rules for advertisers seeking to drive debate around social issues from immigration to the environment.

Contentious superannuation laws which the government says will boost savings and cut fees have cleared parliament.

Shares had their biggest fall in more than four weeks as a possible rise in global interest rates moves closer.

Seven West executives have forecast full-year earnings that exceed analysts' estimates and say the momentum will continue with its Olympics and Ashes coverage.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has backed the Fair Work Commission's minimum wage decision, saying it means a real wage rise for two million workers.

Resources Minister Keith Pitt has made it clear the Nationals will fight tooth and nail against adopting a target of net zero emissions by 2050.

Unemployment has fallen to the lowest level since 2013 in Western Australia, with employment of women well above pre-COVID levels.

Western Australia has been forced to rejig its coronavirus vaccine rollout after health authorities recommended the AstraZeneca jab be restricted for those under 60.

Australia's banking watchdog has written to the nation's banks, warning there are signs of some increased risk-taking as homebuyers rush to secure loans in a heated housing market.

The federal government will have a close eye on coronavirus hospitalisation numbers during the European summer when it considers a return to opening the border.

Laws to ban serious criminals from accessing secure areas at airports and seaports have passed both houses of parliament.

Premier Mark McGowan says it was an "oversight" that police had lawful access to data obtained through a contact tracing app.

An urgent push to have Western Australia's former corruption watchdog reappointed to the role has been labelled "arrogance" by the opposition.

Australia's lowest-paid workers will receive a bigger pay rise than last year after the industrial umpire decided on an $18.80-a-week wage increase.