AAP

The cattle industry and rural communities dependent on live exports have urged caution, as the federal government faces pressure to impose bans on Indonesia.

Resources giant Woodside Petroleum has agreed to a $170,000 settlement payout with a former executive over a sexual discrimination claim.

Shares were flat at the open this morning, despite strong leads from trading offshore overnight.

The acquisition of Australia's Equinox Minerals by Canada's Barrick Gold has cleared a hurdle with authorities in Zambia, where its major copper projects are located.

US stocks shook off weak US economic reports on Tuesday, amid rising hopes that Greece will reach a deal to keep a debt default at bay.

The Australian dollar was lower against most major currencies this morning, weighed down by weak trade figures.

Households gain in carbon plan – The Fin; Worst result in at least 20 years – The Fin; Employer group pushes IR overhaul – The Aus; Oswal forces Yara to pull explosives plant – The West; Woodside in $170,000 payout – The West

Hills Holdings has forecast annual earnings to fall by up to 40 per cent, as it closes it Orrcon Steel pipe facility in NSW following "unsustainable" losses.

A financial firm bought by Lehman Brothers Australia generated over $60 million in profits by misleadingly selling high-risk investment products to local governments, a court has been told.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has potentially headed off the resignation of the Speaker and a political crisis, after a dramatic turn in federal parliament.

Shares in beef producer Australian Agricultural Company held steady on Tuesday as the federal government suspended live exports of cattle to several Indonesian abattoirs.

Energy and materials stocks lifted the Australian share market amid investor optimism about the euro debt crisis on expectations that Germany will provide aid to heavily indebted Greece.

Minerals explorer and developer Ivanhoe Australia has hosed down speculation it is contemplating a takeover bid for Perth-based Exco Resources.

Australia is suffering from a housing affordability crisis because of rising interest rates and uncertainty surrounding the Gillard government's planned carbon tax, the opposition says.

New laws to sell cigarettes in plain packets are set to pass parliament after the coalition swung behind the Gillard government move.

Households would receive an increasingly large share of the revenue raised from Labor's carbon tax at the same time as industry assistance dropped under a plan proposed by climate adviser Ross Garnaut.

The federal coalition has offered bipartisan support for a review of the live cattle export industry, but stopped short of advocating a complete ban.

Weak trade data will likely subtract from Australia's economic growth and may concern the central bank, economists say.

The West Australian government has imposed a winter sprinkler ban for Perth, Mandurah and other parts of state's southwest to boost water saving, with dams at less than 25 per cent capacity.

The head of Australia's second-largest telecommunications company says the proposed merger of Austar and Foxtel may raise competition concerns regarding content.

Westpac Banking Corporation plans to open two more branches in China after receiving final regulatory approval to open a branch in Beijing.

The Australian securities market has opened firmer despite an absence of significant leads from offshore trading overnight, with public holidays in the US and UK.

European shares closed lower on Monday and are on track to end the month down as concerns over the euro zone debt situation weighed, with volumes thin as both U.S. and UK markets were closed for a public holiday.

The Australian dollar was almost flat after a quiet night of trade ahead of key economic data releases later in the week.

China stokes mining boom – The Aus; Industries to receive 46pc of revenue – The Fin; Palmer calls on China to fund $2.7b Pilbara project – The West; Chevron close to domestic gas deal – The Aus; Margaret River won't be mined: Barnett – The Fin

Shares in Africa-focused Globe Metals and Mining rose today after it released positive rare earth exploration results.

Qantas Airways has suffered a further hiccup on its new flights to Dallas/Fort Worth, but the airline says it is confident the route is a viable one.

Australian stocks closed lower as weakness among finance-linked companies due to offshore concerns dragged the broader market into the red.

Musicians Jimmy Barnes, John Butler and ex Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst have sung in protest outside the head offices of two of Australia's biggest gas and petroleum companies.

Premier Colin Barnett will travel overseas this week to discuss the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth in October, trade matters and the state's bid for a giant radio telescope.

Iron ore developer Sundance Resources has refuted a report that its majority shareholder Hanlong Mining is considering a full takeover of the company.

West Australian government MPs are being pressured by the Chinese consulate to avoid the Dalai Lama on his visit to Perth next month.