AAP

Australia's big four banks will be resilient through the financial market turmoil sparked by the European and United States debt issues, credit rating agency Moody's says.

Premier Colin Barnett has conceded that senior executives of government-owned utility companies remain on the same pay levels despite the scrapping of their bonuses.

The Reject Shop has reported a "disappointing" result as full year profit fell 31 per cent after the discount chain was caught in the fallout of the summer's natural disasters.

Westfield Group has confirmed earlier full year guidance for earnings, distributions and revenue after posting a 32 per cent fall in half year profit and flagging asset sales worth $2 billion in th

Mermaid Marine Australia says it is profiting from its role as a service provider to the booming offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry.

Australia's job market is showing signs of softening and easing inflationary pressure, making an interest rate rise unlikely in the next few months, economists say.

The federal government is under pressure to prevent Qantas sending jobs offshore after the airline announced 1,000 jobs would be affected by a restructure of its operations.

AUSTRALIA appears to be leading the race on climate change action in a way that could hurt resource companies competing internationally, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy Western Australia has war

Boral's chief executive has defended the $530 million price the building materials company paid to buy the other half of its Asian plasterboard joint venture.

The death of a 27-year-old man in a workplace accident at a Rio Tinto iron ore mine has sparked union calls for stronger safety laws in Western Australia.

Signs that Australia is headed for its weakest patch of economic growth in two years are increasing, driven by consumer and business caution, higher savings rates, rising unemployment and a weak bu

The Australian share market opened higher today, led by bargain hunters and defying expectations following a weak lead from Wall Street.

The Australian dollar was higher this morning although risk appetite was waning, after the release of contrasting economic data from the US and Europe overnight.

Jobs lost as economic reality hits – The Aus; Sheep stuck in new export dilemma – The West; RBA fears consumer fright – The Aus; Chinese scout for farms – The West; Rio Tinto agrees to union collective agreement – The West

Atlas Iron chief executive David Flanagan will press federal independent MPs about the Gillard government's "bad decisions", including the new mining tax.

Takeover target Macarthur Coal says it remains in a strong position to double its 2009 production levels by the 2014 financial year.

The Australian share market has closed lower, ending a three-day rally after a week of market volatility as investors pulled back in response to the local dollar rising in afternoon trade.

The land of the rising sun is about to get an orange star.

Australia appears to be "leading the race" on climate change action in a way that could hurt resource companies competing internationally, a key mining group says.

Engineering services group Cardno has posted its seventh consecutive year of record profits and earnings per share growth as a listed company and says the outlook remains positive.

OneSteel has flagged more job cuts and possible closures in its loss-making steelworks division after retrenching 400 workers, as the industry reels from weak demand and a high Australian dollar.

A report by the Climate Commission has predicted up to 28,900 coastal homes in Perth and the southwest will be flooded by the end of the century due to rising sea levels.

Howard government minister Peter Reith has slammed Premier Colin Barnett for his inaction on industrial relations and allowing an "open-door policy" for unions.

Global economic uncertainty is weakening local demand and could dampen the inflation outlook over the medium term, the central bank says.

A new push by Westpac Banking Corporation to improve productivity is likely to result in job losses and outsourcing overseas.

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan says the best way to address global economic uncertainty is with conviction and resolve.

Copper and gold miner OZ Minerals remains on the hunt for acquisitions and has booked a 72 per cent slump in first half profit after spending $60 million settling a class action.

Unions are gearing up for a fight against Qantas, following the airlines's announcement it plans to cut up to 1,000 jobs.

Australian shares opened higher after a strong lead from Wall St but were expected to drift lower on a poor trading update from Westpac.

US stocks rallied on Monday, erasing last week's losses, after a raft of big merger and acquisition announcements spurred buying momentum.

Miners dig deep to battle carbon tax – The Fin; More power to Labor bid for uranium ban – The Fin; Premier won't scrap weekend penalty pay – The West; Fortescue debt deal can wait – The Fin; UWA ranks among world's best – The West