AAP

Hundreds of Western Australians have heeded a call to return from coronavirus-plagued NSW ahead of restrictions being further tightened.

Heavy losses have continued for the iron ore giants, contributing to a fourth consecutive ASX loss as a resurgent coronavirus entangles the global economy.

The state government will provide quarantine assistance to arrivals from Kabul, as part of Australia's mission to evacuate people from the Taliban-controlled city.

Australia's vaccination program is opening up to everyone aged over 16 from August 30, after cabinet agreed to expand the national rollout.

Businesses would do well to follow Qantas' model of requiring COVID-19 vaccinations, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says.

Origin Energy has reported an annual loss of $2.3 billion after a massive write-down.

Nurses and midwives have rallied against "dangerous" staff shortages and working conditions at Perth's primary maternity hospital.

Investors did not like what they read in BHP and CSL's full-year reports and caused a third consecutive day of losses for shares.

Woodside Petroleum has swung back to a half-year profit a day after agreeing to acquire BHP's entire petroleum division in an all-stock deal.

New figures show real wage growth was going backwards even before the expected crunch to the economy from widespread virus lockdowns.

Coles is continuing to see sales growth slow in the first few weeks of the current financial year as trading returns to normal levels and as lockdowns in major cities drag.

Australia will ramp up rescue flights from Afghanistan after its first successful journey extracted more than 20 people from the war-torn nation.

Shares on the ASX have seen their biggest drop since June as rolling coronavirus lockdowns and a slowing Chinese economy force investors to reset growth expectations.

Australia's Afghanistan rescue mission will not go ahead until chaos at Kabul airport subsides as people desperately try to escape the Taliban.

Sydney Airport has swiftly rejected a revised takeover bid by an expanded group of infrastructure investors, saying the new offer still undervalues the company.

Mixed reaction to the latest company earnings and the extension of coronavirus lockdowns have put a dampener on the ASX to start the week.

Unions are calling for the establishment of an independent body to investigate claims of sexual abuse and harassment at West Australian mine sites.

Shares in Bendigo Bank have slid nearly 10 per cent despite Australia's fifth-largest lender improving full year cash earnings.

Strong demand for home appliances and technology products has helped retailer JB Hi-Fi lift full-year profit and dividend.

Investors pushed the ASX to a record close as they look for more bumper payouts next earnings week.

Australian and Indian trade negotiators are set to hold talks next week on a free trade deal.

Crown's departing executive chair Helen Coonan has defended the company's management clean-out while facing a Western Australian royal commission.

A Telstra turnaround and enthusiasm for insurers' earnings have helped the ASX inch its way to a closing high.

Property giant Goodman Group has improved full-year profit by more than 53 per cent but shareholders will not see more in dividends.

Energy generator and retailer AGL has posted a $2.06 billion full-year loss due to hefty write-downs and lower power prices.

Financial services giant AMP has posted a 28 per cent drop in first-half net profit after weaker performances at its main wealth management and AMP Capital businesses.

Telstra has detailed a $1.35 billion share buyback for investors after what is says is a turnaround in its earnings.

Australians have started applying for jobs again, but nowhere near the pace they were before the pandemic.

Scott Morrison has backed heavy restrictions to suppress coronavirus after cases surged in Sydney and Melbourne's lockdown was extended.

Western Australia's premier insists tourism is thriving within the state's closed borders despite the industry reporting mass cancellations.

A bumper Commonwealth Bank payout prompted investors to snap up bank stocks as they helped the ASX to its sixth consecutive record high.

Commonwealth Bank has announced a $6 billion share buyback and lifted dividends after improving economic conditions helped it post a robust rise in full-year profit.