AAP

Australian farmers' confidence is still sky high as primary producers continue the fightback from drought amid strong commodity prices.

Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe says it is important that business investment grows if Australia is to enjoy a strong and durable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senior Morrison government ministers have played down falling behind Labor in Newspoll after weeks of controversy stemming from rape allegations.

Attorney-General Christian Porter has launched defamation action against the ABC and journalist Louise Milligan.

A broad-based rally has helped the Australian share market post its best week in five, while central banks will have more opportunity to steer economic recovery in their favour next week.

The federal government is maintaining confidence in the AstraZeneca vaccine despite its use being suspended in parts of Europe.

Australian-made hydrogen will be exported to Japan under a world-first trial taking a big step forward for the emerging industry.

Financial regulator APRA has closed its investigation into Westpac's breaches of anti-money laundering and terror financing laws, but says it will make sure the bank improves its operations.

Zak Kirkup insists he has no regrets as he prepares to lead the West Australian Liberals to a defeat that could spell the end of his own short-lived political career.

Mathias Cormann's bid to become next secretary-general of the OECD has gone into extra time with the contest too close to call just yet.

Planned changes to Australia's disability support scheme will see participants viewed as a number, not individuals, peak groups warn.

Universities and states will be forced to meet stringent conditions before the Morrison government considers plans to allow the return of international students.

Investors on the ASX have resisted a mostly upbeat mood on Wall Street after bond yields eased, and may be waiting for signals from the US Federal Reserve's meeting next week.

Scott Morrison continues to stand by embattled Defence Minister Linda Reynolds as she takes another month off work.

Major banks have thrown their support behind the Morrison government's post-JobKeeper scheme but some business groups are far from happy, with one labelling it "second-class support".

Australia's most senior health officials are set to be grilled about the coronavirus vaccine rollout which is falling short of lofty government targets.

Western Australia's Liberal opposition has failed to provide key details on its policy costings in a shambolic presentation two days before the state election.

The federal government’s $1.2 billion tourism package has faced widespread criticism with WA's leading industry body slamming the effort as pork barrelling for marginal electorates.

Plunging iron ore prices have pulled miners and the ASX lower on a day in which investors rediscovered growth stocks such as technology, going against the recent reflation trade.

Christian Porter has been referred to the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia on the same day as Scott Morrison insisted he would not shuffle the attorney-general or industrial relations portfolios.

Labor and the Liberals say they will back a wide-ranging inquiry into corruption within the state's housing department after Saturday's election.

Top industry bodies have lined up to welcome the federal government's decision to expand its wage subsidy scheme for apprentice and trainee hires.

Australia's share market has produced gains despite some turbulent offshore influences, while Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe may seize a chance to move the dollar lower on Wednesday.

Scott Morrison says he wants Anzac Day services to return to normal this year after the pandemic meant traditional services and marches had to be cancelled on the national holiday last year.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is sticking to the government's population-wide coronavirus vaccine October goal despite delays in the initial rollout.

Doctors are ironing out complicated logistics and asking for patience as they prepare to give millions of Australians the coronavirus vaccine.

After surging early, Australia's share market closed with modest gains as changing investor sentiment overseas took a toll on local equities.

Senior government ministers have rejected claims vital decisions in the defence sector are on hold due to Defence Minister Linda Reynolds extending her leave.

China's iron ore imports rose 2.8 per cent for the first two months of 2021 from a year earlier, with demand for the steelmaking ingredient supported by a firm consumption outlook.

Companies with more than 250 employees would be forced to publicly disclose the gap in pay between women and men if Labor wins the next federal election.

The Morrison government will continue facing questions about rape allegations levelled at the attorney general unless an independent investigation occurs, the opposition argues.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says a new package of support for the tourism and travel sector will be announced within days.