AAP

Freight company Toll Holdings has refinanced $S1 billion ($A757 million) of debt to lower interest repayments and bought a German ocean freight business.

After a horror few months for Murchison Metals, the Pilbara iron ore miner has at least posted positive production and shipping results.

The housing industry is still suffering a shortage of skilled labour, an industry group says, even though data for the June quarter suggests a slight oversupply of workers.

Austar United Communications reported a four-fold increase in first half net profit and expressed confidence a proposed merger with Foxtel would proceed.

Australian shares opened slightly lower on the back of a weak lead from Wall Street, as the US continues to struggle towards a resolution of its national debt crisis.

Tough new powers for carbon cop – The Aus; Tax summit targets state charges – The West; Different strokes: ANZ tips interest rates to rise, but Westpac says they'll fall – The Aus; Union talks tough after court victory – The West; Hess keeps LNG hopefuls waiting – The Fin

US stocks ended mixed on Thursday, as nervous markets awaited a resolution to the debt-limit standoff in Washington, with the deadline for potential financial disaster only five days away.

Construction of the Gascoyne irrigation pipeline is on track, despite setbacks from last year's severe floods in the region, the state government says.

Consumer and industrial products supplier GUD Holdings expects a solid financial performance in the 2012 financial year despite difficult conditions in the Australian retail sector.

Origin Energy has approved the first phase of its $20 billion two-train liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Queensland.

Investor jitters over the looming prospect of a US sovereign debt default unleased a fresh wave of selling on the Australian share market.

The public has a month to comment on draft legislation detailing how the federal government's carbon price will operate and be enforced.

Two Perth-based junior explorers have announced significant coal-related acquisitions in South Africa.

A Western Australian farmer is suing a neighbour for negligence after genetically modified canola seed blew onto his land, causing the loss of his organic crop certification.

David Jones will stock a range of new international and domestic brands as it tries to boost flagging sales at its stores across the country.

More than 300 Qantas warehouse workers across Australia will walk off the job on Friday in a dispute about job security and wages.

Wesfarmers-owned supermarket chain Coles has posted a weaker than expected fourth quarter food and liquor sales result amid declining prices and consumer confidence in financial 2011.

Treasurer Wayne Swan wants a robust debate about tax reform when a federal government-sponsored forum meets in October.

Australian shares have fallen 1.3 per cent with investors jittery about the US's political standoff that could force a default or downgrade of sovereign debt.

The Australian dollar set a new record overnight but drifted lower in the early morning session, on renewed concern about Europe's debt crisis.

US stocks plunged on Wednesday as the US edged closer to defaulting on its debt and the economy showed more signs of deteriorating.

Food prices soar as bank eyes rate rise – The West; Lanco accused of 'undermining' deal – The Fin; Brownes milk deal with Coles goes sour – The West; Cattle export ban 'cost 326 jobs' – The Aus; Worst performer, yearly data shows – The Fin

Rio Tinto-majority owned Coal & Allied has achieved a 25 per cent surge in first half revenue due to higher production and strong prices, and despite wet weather in NSW.

Former Opes Prime directors Laurie Emini and Anthony Blumberg have been jailed on dishonesty charges relating to the firm's collapse, which left creditors owed more than $630 million.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia's full year financial results next month will include several changes to the balance sheet it says will improve transparency.

Optus will axe up to 180 jobs from senior and middle management and leave a further 70 vacancies unfilled in a bid to cut costs at Australia's number two telco.

The Australian stock market closed lower after the release of worse-than-expected inflation data and as the US debt ceiling stalemate continued.

Aquila Resources is still pursuing legal action against its Issac Plains coal mine joint venture partner, Brazil's Vale, but the pair have resolved a dispute that threatened to close the operation.

Tiger Airways looks likely to seek a second adjournment in its Federal Court hearing until after the aviation watchdog hands down a decision on the airline's bid to return to the skies.

Business groups have warned it would be wrong for the Reserve Bank to lift interest rates next week in the wake of today's stronger than expected inflation numbers.

The escalating fuel price will have a greater impact on Australian air travel than the federal government's planned carbon tax, Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce says.